Image processing apparatus, upgrade apparatus, display system including the same, and control method thereof

ABSTRACT

An image processing apparatus, upgrade apparatus, display system and control method are provided. The image processing apparatus includes a signal input unit; a first image processing unit which processes an input signal input by the signal input unit to output a first output signal; an upgrade apparatus connection unit connected to an upgrade apparatus which includes a second image processing unit; and a first controller which controls at least one of the input signal processed by the first image processing unit and the first output signal to be transmitted to the upgrade apparatus and processed by the second image processing unit if the upgrade apparatus is connected to the upgrade apparatus connection unit

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/678,612, filed on Nov. 16, 2012, which claimspriority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2011-0144323, filed onDec. 28, 2011, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2011-0147339, filed onDec. 30, 2011, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2012-0009878, filed onJan. 31, 2012, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2012-0008390, filed onJan. 27, 2012, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2012-0009456, filed onJan. 31, 2012, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2012-0072082, filedon Jul. 3, 2012 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Apparatuses and methods consistent with the exemplary embodiments relateto an image processing apparatus, an upgrade apparatus, a display systemincluding the same and a control method thereof, and more particularlyto an image processing apparatus which is connected to an upgradeapparatus to upgrade a function thereof, an upgrade apparatus, a displaysystem including the same and a control method thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

An image processing apparatus is a device which processes image signalsor image data transmitted from various external image sources and whichare autonomously stored. The image processing apparatus may beconfigured to display a processed image on its display panel, such as aTV or a monitor. For example, a TV processes a broadcast signaltransmitted from outside of the TV according to various types of imageprocessing, e.g., decoding and scaling, and displays an image of a userdesired broadcast channel on a display panel.

The image processing apparatus has an embedded image processing boardconfigured as a circuit, including various kinds of chip sets, and amemory to conduct such image processing.

However, with technology development and diverse demands of users, animage processing apparatus having advanced capability is increasinglyrequired and the functionalities of the image processing apparatus haveincreased.

Further, it is not cost efficient or an efficient use of resources torequire a user to purchase a new image processing apparatus in order forthe user to utilize a newly added function or an updated function.

Thus, there is a demand for an image processing apparatus which can beupgraded by easily adding or extending a new functionality or updatedfunction.

Also, when upgrading functions or specifications in an upgradeapparatus, it is also necessary to upgrade or change firmware withrespect to subsidiary modules already included in the image processingapparatus.

Further, due to physical limitations, an image processing apparatuswhich has a 2D image processing function cannot reproduce 3D content andcan only play the content as 2D images. In order for the imageprocessing apparatus which has the 2D image processing function toreproduce 3D contents a 3D images, the whole or at least part of theimage processing board embedded in the image processing apparatus mustbe physically replaced, which is not easy in terms of manufacture anduse. Also, a user may need to purchase a new image processing apparatuswith a 3D image processing function.

SUMMARY

Aspects of exemplary embodiments provide an image processing apparatuswhich can be upgraded easily by adding or extending a new or upgradedfunction to the upgradable image processing apparatus, an upgradeapparatus, a display system including the same, and a control methodthereof.

Further, aspects of exemplary embodiments provide an image processingapparatus which is capable of upgrading firmware driving subsidiarymodules already included in the image processing apparatus suitably forupgraded functions or specifications provided by an upgrade apparatus,an upgrade apparatus, a display system including the same, and a controlmethod thereof.

In addition, aspects of exemplary embodiments provide an imageprocessing apparatus which can be upgraded easily by adding a 3D imageprocessing function to a 2D image processing function or extending a 2Dimage processing function to a 3D image processing function, an upgradeapparatus, a display system including the same, and a control methodthereof.

The foregoing and/or other aspects may be achieved by providing an imageprocessing apparatus including: a signal input unit; a first imageprocessing unit which processes an input signal input by the signalinput unit to output a first output signal; an upgrade apparatusconnection unit connected to an upgrade apparatus including a secondimage processing unit; and a first controller which controls at leastone of the input signal processed by the first image processing unit andthe first output signal to be transmitted to the upgrade apparatus andprocessed by the second image processing unit if the upgrade apparatusis connected to the upgrade apparatus connection unit.

The image processing apparatus may further include a display unit whichdisplays at least one of a first image corresponding to the first outputsignal output by the first image processing unit and a second imagecorresponding to a second output signal processed and output by thesecond image processing unit of the upgrade apparatus.

The upgrade apparatus connection unit may transmit the first outputsignal to the display unit if the upgrade apparatus is not inserted intothe upgrade apparatus connection unit, and transmit the second outputsignal output from the second image processing unit to the displayapparatus if the upgrade apparatus is inserted into the upgradeapparatus connection unit.

The upgrade apparatus connection unit may include a first input signalterminal to which the first output signal is input; and a display unitoutput terminal selectively brought in contact with at least one of thefirst input signal terminal and a body connection unit of the upgradeapparatus based on whether the upgrade apparatus is connected, to outputone of the first output signal and the second output signal to thedisplay unit.

The image processing apparatus may further include an elastic memberwhich elastically biases at least one of the first input signal terminaland the display unit output terminal so that the first input signalterminal and the display unit output terminal are brought in contact ifthe upgrade apparatus is not connected to the upgrade apparatusconnection unit.

The image processing apparatus may further include a signal connectionmember inserted into the upgrade apparatus connection unit so that thefirst output signal is transmitted to the display unit if the upgradeapparatus is not connected to the upgrade apparatus connection unit.

The image processing apparatus may further include a data selection unitwhich selects and outputs one of the first output signal output from thefirst image processing unit and the second output signal output from theupgrade apparatus connection unit to the display unit according tocontrol of the first controller; and a data distribution unit whichdistributes the first output signal to the upgrade apparatus connectionunit and the data selection unit according to control of the firstcontroller.

The first controller may control the data distribution unit and the dataselection unit to output the first output signal output from the firstimage processing unit to the display unit if the upgrade apparatus isnot connected.

The first controller may control the data distribution unit and the dataselection unit to distribute the first output signal output from thefirst image processing unit to the upgrade apparatus connection unit andto output the second output signal output by the upgrade apparatus tothe display unit if the upgrade apparatus is connected.

The image processing apparatus may further include an image signalswitch which selectively transmits the first output signal output fromthe first image processing unit to the display unit, wherein the firstimage processing unit may output the first output signal to the upgradeapparatus connection unit and the image signal switch, and the firstcontroller controls the image signal switch to transmit the first outputsignal output by the first image processing unit to the display unit ifthe upgrade apparatus is not connected, and to transmit the secondoutput signal processed by the upgrade apparatus to the display unit ifthe upgrade apparatus is connected.

The image signal switch may include a low voltage differential signaling(LVDS) switch.

The first image processing unit may include a first output port whichoutputs the first output signal to the upgrade apparatus connectionunit; and a second output port which outputs the first output signal tothe image signal switch.

The first output signal may include at least one of a first image signaland a first audio signal, and the upgrade apparatus connection unit mayinclude a first connection unit transmitting at least one of the inputsignal and the first image signal to the upgrade apparatus; and a secondconnection unit which transmits or receives at least one of a controlsignal and the first audio signal to or from the upgrade apparatus.

The first output signal may include at least one of a first image signaland a first audio signal, and the image processing apparatus may furtherinclude an audio output unit which outputs any one of the first audiosignal and a second audio signal processed by the second imageprocessing unit of the upgrade apparatus.

The image processing apparatus may further include at least one of awireless user input unit which receives input wirelessly from a user, awireless communication unit to access an Internet network and a cameraunit to take an image; and a control path conversion switch whichselects the first controller or the upgrade apparatus to control atleast one of the wireless user input unit, the wireless communicationunit and the camera unit based on whether the upgrade apparatus isconnected.

The first controller may control the wireless user input unit, thewireless communication unit and the camera unit if the upgrade apparatusis not connected to the upgrade apparatus connection unit, and does notcontrol at least one of the wireless user input unit, the wirelesscommunication unit and the camera unit if the upgrade apparatus isconnected to the upgrade apparatus connection unit.

The upgrade apparatus may control at least one of the wireless userinput unit, the wireless communication unit and the camera unit throughthe control path conversion switch if the upgrade apparatus is connectedto the upgrade apparatus connection unit.

The first controller may perform control to receive information about atleast one upgraded function provided by the upgrade apparatus andperforms control to perform the upgraded function based on theinformation about the upgraded function.

The first controller may assign a control to the upgrade apparatus, andthe first image processing unit may perform image processing on theinput signal based on control by the upgrade apparatus.

The first controller may perform control to receive an external inputsignal input through the upgrade apparatus and performs control todisplay an image based on the received external input signal.

The first controller may control the first output signal processed bythe first image processing unit to be transmitted to the upgradeapparatus and outputted to outside of the image processing apparatus.

The image processing apparatus may further include at least onesubsidiary module each accommodating firmware, wherein the firstcontroller may upgrade the firmware of the at least one subsidiarymodule based on corresponding upgraded firmware received from theupgrade apparatus.

The first controller may upgrade the firmware according to control bythe upgrade apparatus.

The first controller may back up each firmware accommodated in the atleast one subsidiary module in the upgrade apparatus.

The image processing apparatus may further include a user input unit toinput a user selection, wherein the first controller may upgrade thefirmware based on the user selection.

The image processing apparatus may further include a storage unit whichstores extended display identification data (EDID), and wherein thefirst controller may upgrade the EDID based on upgraded EDID informationreceived from the upgrade apparatus.

The first controller may control each of a plurality of image processingprocesses to process the image signal to be selectively performed by oneof the first image processing unit and the second image processing unit.

The first image processing unit may include a plurality of first blocksprocessing at least part of the plurality of image processing process,and the second image processing unit may include a plurality of secondblocks corresponding to the first blocks, respectively, and processingat least part of the plurality of image processing processes.

The image processing apparatus may further include a plurality ofswitching units respectively connected to the first blocks and thesecond blocks and which is switched to transmit a signal to one of theplurality of first blocks and the plurality of second blocks.

The image processing apparatus may further include a user input unit toinput a user selection, wherein the first controller may control each ofthe plurality image processing processes to be selectively performed byone of the first image processing unit and the second image processingunit based on the user selection.

The first controller may control the upgrade apparatus connection unitto receive a three-dimensional (3D) image signal, converted from thefirst output signal, from the upgrade apparatus.

The upgrade apparatus may be detachably coupled to one of a timingcontroller, a display panel and an image processing board of the imageprocessing apparatus.

The upgrade apparatus may be connected to a spare connector provided inthe timing controller.

The upgrade apparatus may be connected to slots of the image processingboard and the display panel in combination with the timing controller.

The foregoing and/or other aspects may be achieved by providing anupgrade apparatus mounted on an image processing apparatus including afirst image processing unit and a first controller, the upgradeapparatus including: a body connection unit which is connected to theimage processing apparatus; a second image processing unit whichreceives and processes a signal output from the image processingapparatus through the body connection unit; and a second controllerwhich controls the second image processing unit.

The upgrade apparatus may further include a display connection unitconnected to a display unit is connected in order to transmit the signalprocessed by the second image processing unit to the display unit.

The body connection unit may include a first body connection unit whichreceives a first image signal processed by the first image processingunit of the image processing apparatus; and a second body connectionunit which receives one of a first audio signal processed by the firstimage processing unit and a control signal transmitted by the firstcontroller.

The second controller may control at least one of the first controllerand the first image processing unit.

The second controller may perform control to transmit information aboutat least one upgraded function provided to the image processingapparatus to the image processing apparatus and to perform the upgradedfunction.

The second controller may be assigned control by the image processingapparatus and performs control to process the signal output from theimage processing apparatus.

The upgrade apparatus may further include a signal input unit to inputan external input signal, wherein the second controller transmits theexternal input signal to the image processing apparatus and controls theimage processing apparatus to display an image based on the transmittedexternal input signal.

The upgrade apparatus may further include a signal output unit, whereinthe second controller may perform control to receive the signal outputfrom the image processing apparatus and to output the signal to outsideof the upgrade apparatus through the signal output unit.

The upgrade apparatus may further include a storage unit storingupgraded firmware corresponding to a subsidiary module of the imageprocessing apparatus, wherein the second controller may include acontroller which performs control to upgrade firmware of the at leastone subsidiary module based on the upgraded firmware.

The second controller may back up the firmware of the at least onesubsidiary module.

The second controller may perform control to upgrade the firmware of theat least one subsidiary module based on a user selection input throughthe image processing apparatus.

The second controller may perform control to upgrade the firmware of theat least one subsidiary module based on extended display identificationdata (EDID) received from the image processing apparatus.

The second controller may control the second image processing unit togenerate a three-dimensional (3D) image signal by converting the signaloutput from the image processing apparatus and controls the connectionunit to transmit the 3D image signal to the image processing apparatus.

The upgrade apparatus may further include a communication unitcommunicating with a pair of 3D glasses, wherein the second controllermay perform synchronization of the 3D image signal based on a signaltransmitted from the 3D glasses.

The foregoing and/or other aspects may be achieved by providing acontrol method of an image processing apparatus on which an upgradeapparatus is mounted, the control method including: processing an inputsignal to output an output signal; transmitting at least one of theinput signal and the output signal to the upgrade apparatus if theupgrade apparatus is connected to the image processing apparatus;receiving an image signal based on at least one of the input signal andthe output signal from the upgrade apparatus; and processing the imagesignal to be displayed as an image.

The control method may further include receiving information about atleast one upgraded function provided by the upgrade apparatus, andwherein the processing the image signal may include performing theupgraded function based on the information about the upgraded function.

The control method may further include receiving upgraded firmware fromthe upgrade apparatus; and upgrading firmware of at least one subsidiarymodule included in the image processing apparatus based on the receivedupgraded firmware.

Each of a plurality of image processing processes to process the imagesignal may be performed selectively by one of the image processingapparatus and the upgrade apparatus.

The receiving may include receiving a three-dimensional (3D) imagesignal, converted from at least one of the input signal and the outputsignal, from the upgrade apparatus.

The foregoing and/or other aspects may be achieved by providing acontrol method of an upgrade apparatus mounted on an image processingapparatus, the control method including: receiving a first image signalprocessed from the image processing apparatus if the upgrade apparatusis connected to the image processing apparatus; processing at least oneupgraded function of the image processing apparatus on the first imagesignal; and transmitting a second image signal, obtained by processingthe at least one upgraded function, to the image processing apparatus.

The control method may further include transmitting information aboutthe at least one upgraded function provided to the image processingapparatus.

The control method may further include transmitting, to the upgradeapparatus, upgraded firmware to upgrade firmware of at least onesubsidiary module included in the image processing apparatus.

The processing may include generating a three-dimensional (3D) imagesignal by converting the first image signal received from the imageprocessing apparatus, and wherein the transmitting may includetransmitting the 3D image signal to the image processing apparatus.

The foregoing and/or other aspects may be achieved by providing adisplay system including an image processing apparatus and an upgradeapparatus mounted on the image processing apparatus, wherein the imageprocessing apparatus may include a first image processing unit whichprocesses a first input signal to output a first output signal, a firstcontroller which controls the first image processing unit and an upgradeapparatus connection unit to which the upgrade apparatus is connected,the upgrade apparatus may include a second image processing unit whichprocesses a second input signal to output a second output signal, asecond controller which controls the second image processing unit and abody connection unit connected to the upgrade apparatus connection unit,and at least one of the first input signal processed by the first imageprocessing unit and the first output signal may be transmitted to theupgrade apparatus and processed by the second image processing unit ifthe upgrade apparatus is connected to the upgrade apparatus connectionunit.

The upgrade apparatus may transmit information about at least oneupgraded function provided to the image processing apparatus to theimage processing apparatus, and the image processing apparatus mayperform the upgraded function based on the information about theupgraded function.

The image processing apparatus may include at least one subsidiarymodule each accommodating firmware, wherein the upgrade apparatus mayinclude a storage unit which stores upgraded firmware corresponding tothe at least one subsidiary module, and the image processing apparatusmay upgrade the firmware of at least one subsidiary module based oncorresponding upgraded firmware received from the upgrade apparatus.

Each of a plurality of image processing processes to process the imagesignal may be performed selectively by one of the image processingapparatus and the upgrade apparatus.

The upgrade apparatus may convert at least one of the first input signaland the first output signal output from the image processing apparatusinto a three-dimensional (3D) image signal and transmit the 3D imagesignal to the image processing apparatus, and the image processingapparatus may display a 3D image based on the 3D image signal receivedfrom the upgrade apparatus.

As described above, one or more exemplary embodiments may provide animage processing apparatus upgraded by easily adding or extending a newor upgraded function to the upgradable image processing apparatus, anupgrade apparatus, a display system including the same, and a controlmethod thereof.

Further, one or more exemplary embodiments may provide an imageprocessing apparatus which is capable of upgrading firmware drivingsubsidiary modules already included in the image processing apparatussuitably for upgraded functions or specifications provided by an upgradeapparatus, an upgrade apparatus, a display system including the same,and a control method thereof.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, an upgrade apparatus ismounted on an image processing apparatus, thereby performing an enhancedimage processing process.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, an image processingapparatus processing a 2D image is combined with an image processingapparatus processing a 3D image, thereby conveniently upgrading theimage processing apparatus to achieve 3D display and to reproduce 3Dcontents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and/or other aspects will become apparent and more readilyappreciated from the following description of the exemplary embodiments,taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a display system according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a display system according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a display system according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a main part of a signalconnection member and an upgrade apparatus selectively connected to anupgrade apparatus connection unit of an image processing apparatus in adisplay system according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a display system according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a display system according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a display system according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a display system according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a connection methodof an upgrade apparatus connection unit of an image processing apparatusand an upgrade apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged front view illustrating a connection method of anupgrade apparatus connection unit of an image processing apparatus andan upgrade apparatus of a display system according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIGS. 11 to 17 are perspective views and cross-sectional viewsillustrating connections of an upgrade apparatus connection unit of animage processing apparatus and an upgrade apparatus according toexemplary embodiments;

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a display system according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a display system according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a displayapparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of an upgrade apparatus according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a displayapparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an upgradeapparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 24 illustrates control operations of a display apparatus and anupgrade apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a display system according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a displayapparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a block diagram of an upgrade apparatus according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a displayapparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an upgradeapparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a block diagram of a display apparatus according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 31 illustrates a first image processing unit and a second imageprocessing unit according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a displayapparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 33 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a displaysystem according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a displayapparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 35 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a 3D imageprocessing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 36 to 38 illustrate a 3D image processing apparatus coupled to adisplay apparatus according to exemplary embodiments; and

FIGS. 39 to 43 are flowcharts illustrating methods of performing animage processing process of a display apparatus upgraded by a 3D imageprocessing apparatus in a display system according to exemplaryembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an image processing apparatus, an upgrade apparatus, adisplay system, and a control method thereof according to exemplaryembodiments will be described in detail with reference to accompanyingdrawings.

In the exemplary embodiments, an “image processing apparatus” refers toa display device which processes an image signal and may include adisplay unit to display an image based on an image signal internally oroutput a processed image signal to an external display apparatus withoutincluding a display unit internally. The image processing apparatusaccording to the exemplary embodiments include both types. A displaydevice which processes an image signal and includes a display unit todisplay an image based on an image signal is also referred to as a“display apparatus” hereinafter.

Referring to FIG. 1, a display system 1 according to an exemplaryembodiment includes an image processing apparatus 100 processing animage signal provided from an external image source (not shown)according to a preset image processing process to display an image andan upgrade apparatus 200 upgrading hardware or software of the imageprocessing apparatus 100.

In the display system 1 according to the exemplary embodiment, the imageprocessing apparatus 100 is configured as a TV which displays abroadcast image based on a broadcast signal, broadcast information orbroadcast data received from a transmitter of a broadcasting station.The image processing apparatus 100 may be configured as various types ofdevices which process an image or process and display an image, withoutbeing limited to a TV. For example, the image processing apparatus 100may be a set-top box which performs image processing only and does notdisplay an image.

The image processing apparatus 100 may display any type of image,without being limited to a broadcast image. For example, the imageprocessing apparatus 100 may display images, such as videos, stillimages, applications, an on-screen display (OSD) based on signals ordata received from various types of image sources (not shown), and agraphic user interface (GUI) for controlling various operations.

The upgrade apparatus 200 is connected to the image processing apparatus100 so as to communicate with the image processing apparatus 100. Theupgrade apparatus 200 upgrades existing hardware or software of theconnected image processing apparatus 100 and enables an image signal tobe processed by the upgraded hardware or software of the imageprocessing apparatus 100, thereby displaying an image with improvedquality.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 100 includes a firstsignal input unit 110 receiving an image signal from at least one imagesource (not shown), a first image processing unit 130 processing theinput signal from the first signal input unit 110 and outputting a firstoutput signal, an upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 to which theupgrade apparatus 200 including a second image processing unit 220 isconnected, and a first controller 140 controlling the first imageprocessing unit 130.

The first signal input unit 110 transmits an image signal and/or abroadcast signal received from at least one image source to the firstimage processing unit 130. The first signal input unit 110 may include atuner to receive a broadcast signal.

An image signal received through the first signal input unit 110 mayhave various standards depending on an image source and a display modeof and a display unit 170. For example, the first signal input unit 110may receive signals or data in accordance with a high definitionmultimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB), and componentstandards and include a plurality of connection terminals (not shown)corresponding to the respective standards. Various types of externaldevices including the image source may be connected to the connectionterminals, thus receiving an image signal through the first signal inputunit 110.

When the upgrade apparatus 200 is connected to the upgrade apparatusconnection unit 160, the first signal input unit 110 may be configuredto transmit the input signal to the upgrade apparatus connection unit160, and not to the first image processing unit 130 according to controlof the controller 140. That is, the first signal input unit 110 mayinclude a plurality of output ports to receive and output the inputsignal and thus selectively transmit the input signal to either theupgrade apparatus 200 or the first image processing unit 130 accordingto control of the controller 140. The first signal input unit 110 may beconfigured to provide the input signal only to the first imageprocessing unit 130.

The first image processing unit 130 may include a demultiplexer (notshown), which performs demultiplexing by separating a broadcast signalreceived from the first signal input unit 110 into an image signal, anaudio signal and optional data, a decoder (not shown) decoding theseparated image signal into a predetermined image format, and a scaler(not shown) scaling the decoded image signal to a predeterminedresolution to display an image based on the image signal on the displayunit 170.

Further, the first image processing unit 130 may perform various presetimage processing processes on an image signal received from the firstsignal input unit 110. The first image processing unit 130 outputs aprocessed image signal to the display unit 170, so that an image basedon the image signal is displayed on the display unit 170.

The first image processing unit 130 may perform any type of imageprocessing, without being limited to, for example, demultiplexing toseparate a signal into characteristic signals, decoding in accordancewith an image format of an image signal, de-interlacing to convert aninterlaced image signal into a progressive form, scaling to adjust animage signal to a preset resolution, noise reduction to improve imagequality, detail enhancement, frame refresh rate conversion, or the like.

The first image processing unit 130 may be provided as an imageprocessing board (not shown) in which a circuit system including variouschip sets (not shown), a memory (not shown), electronic components (notshown) and wiring (not shown) to conduct such processes is mounted on aprinted circuit board (PCB, not shown).

Meanwhile, the upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 is connected to abody connection unit 210 of the upgrade apparatus 200 so that the imageprocessing apparatus 100 and the upgrade apparatus 200 communicate atleast one of data, a signal, information and power with each other.

The upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 may transmit at least one ofthe input signal input through the first signal input unit 110 and thefirst output signal output by the first image processing unit 130 to thebody connection unit 210.

Here, the first output signal may include at least one of a first imagesignal and a first audio signal.

The upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 may be configured as aconnection port in accordance with a general standard, such as an HDMI,USB or component port. As necessary, the upgrade apparatus connectionunit 160 may be configured to communicate data, a signal, information/,or power in accordance with a low voltage differential signaling (LVDS)standard.

The upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 may be provided in any typeand form, without being limited to the foregoing examples, as long as itis configured to enable the image processing apparatus 100 and theupgrade apparatus 200 to communicate at least one of data, a signal,information, and power with each other.

When the upgrade apparatus 200 is not connected to the upgrade apparatusconnection unit 160, the upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 transmitsthe first image signal output by the first image processing unit 130 tothe display unit 170.

The upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 may receive a second outputsignal processed by the second image processing unit 220 through thebody connection unit 210 of the upgrade apparatus 200 and transmit thereceived second output signal to the display unit 170.

As necessary, when the upgrade apparatus 200 is configured to output thesecond output signal directly to the display unit 170, and not via theimage processing apparatus 100, the upgrade apparatus connection unit160 does not receive the second output signal from the upgrade apparatus200.

The upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 may enable communication of acontrol instruction between the first controller 140 and a secondcontroller 230 of the upgrade apparatus 200. That is, the upgradeapparatus connection unit 160 may have a connection port fortransmitting and receiving the control instruction.

Meanwhile, when the upgrade apparatus 200 is not connected to theupgrade apparatus connection unit 160, the first controller 140 controlsthe first image processing unit 130 to process the input signal.

When the upgrade apparatus 200 is connected to the upgrade apparatusconnection unit 160, the first controller 140 controls the first signalinput unit 110 and the first image processing unit 130 such that atleast one of the input signal and the first output signal is transmittedto the upgrade apparatus 200 through the upgrade apparatus connectionunit 160 and is processed by the second image processing unit 220.

The first controller 140 may detect whether the upgrade apparatus 200 isconnected through the upgrade apparatus connection unit 160.

When the second output signal processed by the upgrade apparatus 200 isreceived by the upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 through the bodyconnection unit 210, the first controller 140 may control the upgradeapparatus connection unit 160 to transmit the second output signal tothe display unit 170.

The image processing apparatus 100 may further include the display unit170 to display at least one of a first image corresponding to the firstoutput signal and a second image corresponding to the second outputsignal processed and output by the second image processing unit 220 ofthe upgrade apparatus 200.

That is, when the upgrade apparatus 200 is not connected to the upgradeapparatus connection unit 160, the display unit 170 displays the firstimage corresponding to the first output signal output by the first imageprocessing unit 130. When the upgrade apparatus 200 is connected to theupgrade apparatus connection unit 160, the display unit 170 displays thesecond image corresponding to the second output signal output by thesecond image processing unit 220.

The display unit 170 may be configured in various display modes usingliquid crystals, plasma, light emitting diodes, organic light emittingdiodes, a surface conduction electron emitter, a carbon nano-tube,nano-crystals, or the like, without being limited thereto.

The display unit 170 may further include an additional element dependingon a display mode thereof. For example, in a display mode using liquidcrystals, the display unit 170 may include a liquid crystal display(LCD) panel, a backlight unit (not shown) providing light to the panel,and a panel drive board (not shown) driving the panel.

Further, the image processing apparatus 100 may further include aconversion-amplification unit 180 converting an audio signal separatedby the first image processing unit 130 into a preset format andamplifying the signal, and an audio output unit 190 outputting theamplified audio signal. Here, the audio output unit 190 may include aspeaker.

Also, the image processing apparatus 100 may further include a userinput unit 120 outputting a preset command according to manipulation bya user, and a first storage unit 150 storing unlimited data orinformation.

The user input unit 120 transmits various preset control commands orunlimited information to the first controller 140 based on a user'smanipulation and input. The user input unit 120 may be provided as amenu key and an input panel installed on an outside of the imageprocessing apparatus 100 or as a remote controller separate from theimage processing apparatus 100.

The user input unit 120 may be configured to communicate with the imageprocessing apparatus 100 using a short-range wireless communicationmethod, such as Bluetooth or infrared communication. In this case, theuser input unit 120 may include a wireless keyboard, a wireless mouse,or the like as well as the remote controller.

As necessary, the user input unit 120 may be configured as a single bodywith the display unit 170. That is, if the display unit 170 is a touchscreen, a user may transmit a preset command to the first controller 140through an input menu (not shown) displayed on the display unit 170.

The first storage unit 150 may store unlimited data according to controlof the first controller 140. The first storage unit 150 may beconfigured as a non-volatile memory, such as a flash memory and a harddisk drive. The first storage unit 150 is accessible by the firstcontroller 140, and the data stored in the first storage unit 150 may beread, recorded, revised, deleted, or updated by the first controller140.

The first storage unit 150 may store, for example, an operating systemto run the image processing apparatus 100 and various applications,image data, and optional data which are executable in the operatingsystem.

The first controller 140 performs control operations over variouscomponents of the image processing apparatus 100. For example, the firstcontroller 140 conducts image processing by the first image processingunit 130, transmission or reception operations of signals, information,or data through the first signal input unit 110, and a control operationcorresponding to a command from the user input unit 120, therebycontrolling the overall operation of the image processing apparatus 100.

The upgrade apparatus 200 may be connected to the image processingapparatus 100 via wire or wirelessly. In the exemplary embodiment, theupgrade apparatus 200 and the image processing apparatus 100 may beconnected to each other via wire to transmit and receive data,information, signals, or power. As described above, the upgradeapparatus 200 includes the body connection unit 210 to transmit orreceive power and data to or from the image processing apparatus 100,and the image processing apparatus 100 includes the upgrade apparatusconnection unit 160 to transmit or receive power and data to or from theupgrade apparatus 200. That is, the upgrade apparatus 200 may receivepower needed for driving from the image processing apparatus 100 throughthe body connection unit 210. When necessary, the upgrade apparatus 200may further include a power conversion unit (not shown) to convert powerinput from the image processing apparatus 100 into power needed fordriving.

The upgrade apparatus 200 may be supplied with driving power needed tooperate from a separate external power source (commercial power sourceor battery) and not directly from the image processing apparatus 100through the body connection unit 210

Further, unlike in FIG. 1, the upgrade apparatus 200 may be connected tothe image processing apparatus 100 wirelessly if necessary. In thiscase, the upgrade apparatus 200 may be supplied with operation powerfrom a separate external power source or battery, and not from the imageprocessing apparatus 100.

Until the upgrade apparatus 200 is connected to the image processingapparatus 100, the image processing apparatus 100 autonomously processesan image signal received from outside of the image processing apparatus100 according to a preset image processing process and displays an imagebased on the signal. However, when the upgrade apparatus 200 isconnected to the image processing apparatus 100, hardware or softwareconfigurations of the display system 1 performing the above imageprocessing process are upgraded. Accordingly, new functions or updatedfunctions may be provided to a user due to the upgrade apparatus 200.For example, as the upgrade apparatus 200 is connected, there isprovided an image with higher quality than that realized by the imageprocessing apparatus 100 alone.

The upgrade apparatus 200 includes the body connection unit 210connected to the image processing apparatus 100, the second imageprocessing unit 220 receiving and processing a signal output from theimage processing apparatus 100 through the body connection unit 210, anda second controller 230 controlling the second image processing unit220.

When the second image processing unit 220 is configured to be controlledonly by the first controller 140 of the image processing apparatus 100,the second controller 230 may be omitted as necessary.

The second image processing unit 220 processes any input signal of thefirst signal input unit 110 output from the image processing apparatus100 and the first output signal output from the first image processingunit 130 and outputs the signal as a second output signal.

The second output signal output by the second image processing unit 220is transmitted to the display unit 170 through the body connection unit210 and the upgrade apparatus connection unit 160. Accordingly, a secondimage corresponding to the second output signal may be displayed on thedisplay unit 170. Since the second image processing unit 220additionally performs a function upgraded from a function of the firstimage processing unit 130 or a function which cannot be conducted by thefirst image processing unit 130, an upgraded image which is not realizedby the image processing apparatus 100 or is hard to be realized by theimage processing apparatus 100 is displayed on the display unit 170.

For example, a full HD image cannot be provided by the first imageprocessing unit 130, but may be provided by the second image processingunit 220. Further, a 3D image cannot be realized by the first imageprocessing unit 130, but may be presented through the second imageprocessing unit 220. Such added and expanded functions are onlyillustrative examples and are not limited to these examples.

Here, the second image processing unit 220 may reprocess the audiosignal as well as the image signal, and accordingly the reprocessed andupgraded audio signal may be provided to the image processing apparatus100.

Meanwhile, the upgrade apparatus 200 may further include a second signalinput unit 250 receiving a broadcast signal or an image signal from animage source and transmitting the signal to the second image processingunit 220.

In the foregoing exemplary embodiment, the broadcast signal or the imagesignal is received or input through the first signal input unit 110 ofthe image processing apparatus 100. However, if needed, the upgradeapparatus 200 may include the second signal input unit 250 to receive abroadcast signal or an image signal separately from the image processingapparatus 100. In this case, when it is detected that the upgradeapparatus 200 is connected to the upgrade apparatus connection unit 160,the first controller 140 of the image processing apparatus 100 may stopoperations of the first signal input unit 110 and the first imageprocessing unit 130. Here, an input signal (broadcast signal or imagesignal) input through the second signal input unit 250 is transmitted tothe second image processing unit 220 and processed, and a second outputsignal output by the second image processing unit 220 may be transmittedto the display unit 170 through the upgrade apparatus connection unit160 of the image processing apparatus 100. Accordingly, a second imagecorresponding to the second output signal may be displayed on thedisplay unit 170.

In another exemplary embodiment, when the upgrade apparatus 200independently receives a broadcast signal or an image signal through thesecond signal input unit 250, the first controller 140 may control thefirst image processing unit 130 to process a signal input through thefirst signal input unit 110 and output a first output signal to thedisplay unit 170. Here, the display unit 170 may display a first imagecorresponding to the first output signal as a main screen or sub-screen.At the same time, when receiving the broadcast signal or image signalthrough the second signal input unit 250, the upgrade apparatus 200processes the signal in the second image processing unit 220 andtransmits a second output signal to the display unit 170. Accordingly,the display unit 170 may display a second image corresponding to thesecond output signal as a sub-screen or main screen in accordance withthe first image. That is, the first input signal input through the firstsignal input unit 110 of the image processing apparatus 100 and thesecond input signal input through the second signal input unit 250 ofthe upgrade apparatus 200 are processed into the first image and thesecond image, respectively, which may be then displayed in picture inpicture (PIP) on the display unit 170.

When it is detected that the upgrade apparatus 200 is connected, thefirst controller 140 of the image processing apparatus 100 may controlthe first image processing unit 130 and the first signal input unit 110in cooperation with the second controller 230 of the upgrade apparatus200. For example, the first controller 140 may be responsible forcontrolling part of the demultiplexer (not shown), the decoder (notshown) and the scaler (not shown) of the first image processing unit130, and the second controller 230 may be responsible for controllingthe rest thereof.

If necessary, the first controller 140 may have priority to control thefirst signal input unit 110 and the first image processing unit 130, andthe second controller 230 may assist the first controller 140.

In another exemplary embodiment, the second controller 230 may havepriority to control the first signal input unit 110 and the first imageprocessing unit 130, and the first controller 140 may assist the secondcontroller 230.

Meanwhile, when it is detected that the upgrade apparatus 200 isconnected, the first controller 140 of the image processing apparatus100 may entirely transfer the control function of the first controller140 to the second controller 230. Here, the first controller 140 doesnot give a control instruction, but just delivers a control instructionbetween a subject controlled previously by the first controller 140 andthe second controller 230. As necessary, an exclusive controlcommunication line may be separately provided to transmit and receive acontrol instruction between the second controller 230 and the subjectpreviously controlled by the first controller 140.

The upgrade apparatus 200 may further include a second storage unit 240.The second storage unit 240 stores unlimited data.

The second storage unit 240 may be configured as a non-volatile memory,such as a flash memory and a hard disk drive. The second storage unit240 is accessed by the first controller 140 or the second controller230, and data stored in the storage unit 240 is read, recorded, revised,deleted, or updated by the controller 140 or controller 230. The firststorage unit 150 may also be accessed by both the first controller 140and the second controller 230 depending on a configuration thereof.

Further, the second storage unit 240 may store an operating system morerecently upgraded than the operating system stored in the first storageunit 150. The first controller 140 or the second controller 230 mayupdate the operating system stored in the first storage unit 150 to theupgraded operating system and drive the updated operating system. Asnecessary, the operating system of the second storage unit 240 may bedriven instead of the operating system stored in the first storage unit150.

Referring to FIG. 2, a display system 1 a according to an exemplaryembodiment includes an image processing apparatus 100 a and an upgradeapparatus 200 a connectable to the image processing apparatus 100 a. Forreference, the same elements as those in the previous exemplaryembodiment have the same numerals and descriptions thereof will beomitted.

The image processing apparatus 100 a according to the present exemplaryembodiment includes a first signal input unit 110 receiving a broadcastsignal or an image signal from an image source (not shown) andselectively transmitting the signal to a first image processing unit 130or an upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 a, the first imageprocessing unit 130 processing the broadcast signal and/or the imagesignal input through the first signal input unit 110 and outputting afirst output signal, the upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 atransmitting the first output signal and/or the input signal inputthrough the first signal input unit 110 to the upgrade apparatus 200 a,and a first controller 140 controlling the first image processing unit130 to process the input signal input through the first signal inputunit 110 when the upgrade apparatus 200 a is not connected to theupgrade apparatus connection unit 160 a, and controlling the firstsignal input unit 110 and the first image processing unit 130 such thatat least one of the input signal and the first output signal istransmitted to the upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 a and isprocessed by a second image processing unit 220 when the upgradeapparatus 200 a is connected to the upgrade apparatus connection unit160 a.

Here, the first output signal includes a first audio signal and a firstimage signal.

As described above, the first image processing unit 130 may include ademultiplexer (not shown) which performs demultiplexing by separating abroadcast signal received from the first signal input unit 110 into animage signal, an audio signal and optional data, a decoder (not shown)decoding the separated image signal into a predetermined image format,and a scaler (not shown) scaling the decoded image signal to apredetermined resolution to display an image on the display unit 170.

Here, the first image signal may be an image signal separated by thedemultiplexer, an image signal decoded by the decoder, or an imagesignal scaled to a predetermined resolution.

Here, the first audio signal may be an audio signal separated by thedemultiplexer.

The upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 a includes a first connectionunit 161 transmitting the first image signal and the input signal (atleast one of the broadcast signal or the image signal provided from theimage source) input by the first signal input unit 110 to the upgradeapparatus 200 a, and a second connection unit 163 transmitting orreceiving at least one of a control signal and/or the first audio signalto or from the upgrade apparatus 200 a.

The optional data included in the broadcast signal processed by thefirst image processing unit 130 may be transmitted to the upgradeapparatus 200 a through at least one of the first connection unit 161and the second connection unit 163.

The first connection unit 161 is provided to transmit the first imagesignal and/or the input signal in one direction from the imageprocessing apparatus 100 a to the upgrade apparatus 200 a.

The second connection unit 163 is provided to transmit and receive thecontrol signal and/or the first audio signal in two directions betweenthe image processing apparatus 100 a and the upgrade apparatus 200 a.

That is, the upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 a according to thepresent exemplary embodiment communicates an image signal, controlsignal, or audio signal with the image processing apparatus 200 athrough separate connection units. The image signal is transmitted inone direction from the image processing apparatus 100 a to the upgradeapparatus 200 a and the control signal or audio signal is transmitted intwo directions.

The upgrade apparatus 200 a includes a body connection unit 210 aconnectable to the upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 a of the imageprocessing apparatus 100 a, a second image processing unit 220, a secondcontroller 230 controlling the second image processing unit 220, and adisplay connection unit 260 providing a second image signal processed bythe second image processing unit 220 to the display unit 170.

The body connection unit 210 a includes a first body connection unit 211and a second body connection unit 213 connected to the first connectionunit 161 and the second connection unit 163, respectively, of the imageprocessing apparatus 100 a.

The first connection unit 161 and the first body connection unit 211 maybe connected to each other via wire or wirelessly. In an exemplary wireconnection mode, the first connection unit 161 and the first bodyconnection unit 211 may be connected via a connector (not shown) and acable (not shown).

The second connection unit 163 and the second body connection unit 213may be also connected to each other via wire or wirelessly. In anillustrative wire connection mode, the second connection unit 163 andthe second body connection unit 213 may be also connected via aconnector (not shown) and a cable (not shown).

The input signal and/or the first image signal input through the firstbody connection unit 211 is provided to the second image processing unit220, and the audio signal and/or the control signal input through thesecond body connection unit 213 is provided to the second controller 230or the second image processing unit 220.

The second image processing unit 220 processes the input signal and/orthe first image signal input through the body connection unit 210 a tooutput a second image signal.

The output second image signal is transmitted to the display unit 170through the display connection unit 260, so that a second imagecorresponding to the second image signal may be displayed on the displayunit 170. Here, the display unit 170 may include a connection unit 171to be connected to the display connection unit 260.

Here, the connection unit 171 and the display connection unit 260 mayinclude connectors, respectively, and be connected via wire using acable. As necessary, the connection unit 171 and the display connectionunit 250 may also be connected wirelessly.

Meanwhile, the second image processing unit 220 may output a secondaudio signal by processing the first audio signal transmitted from theimage processing apparatus 100 a. The output second audio signal may betransmitted to a conversion-amplification unit 180 through the secondbody connection unit 213 and the second connection unit 163 and can beoutput as sound through the audio output unit 190.

Here, the second audio signal processed in the upgrade apparatus 200 amay be transmitted from the second connection unit 163 to theconversion-amplification unit 180 via the first image processing unit130. As necessary, the second audio signal may be transmitted from thesecond connection unit 163 directly to the conversion-amplification unit180.

The audio signal amplified by the conversion-amplification unit 180 maybe transmitted to the audio output unit 190 through an audio outputconnection unit 193 and a connection unit 191, which are detachablyconnected, and can be output as sound. The connection unit 191 may beprovided in the audio output unit 190, and the audio output connectionunit 193 may be installed on an image processing board 101.

Here, before the upgrade apparatus 200 a is mounted on the imageprocessing apparatus 100 a, the first connection unit 161 on the imageprocessing board 101 and the connection unit 171 of the display unit 170may be connected to each other via wire using a cable (not shown) and aconnector (not shown). Further, since the second connection unit 163 isprepared for installing the upgrade apparatus 200 a, the secondconnection unit 163 remains unconnected until the upgrade apparatus 200a is mounted.

When the upgrade apparatus 200 a is installed in the image processingapparatus 100 a to upgrade a function of the image processing apparatus100 a, the first connection unit 161 and the connection unit 171 of thedisplay unit 170 are disconnected, and then the first connection unit161 and the first body connection unit 211 of the upgrade apparatus 200a are connected to each other using a cable (not shown) or a connector(not shown) and the second connection unit 163 and the second bodyconnection unit 213 are connected in the same manner. In addition, thedisplay connection unit 260 of the upgrade apparatus 200 a and thedisconnected connection unit 171 of the display unit 170 are connectedto each other via wire or wirelessly. The first and second connectionunits 161 and 163 and the first and second body connection units 211 and213 may be connected wirelessly as well as via wire using a cable and aconnector.

Referring to FIG. 3, a display system 1 b according to an exemplaryembodiment includes an upgrade apparatus 200 b and an image processingapparatus 100 b which is functionally upgraded by the upgrade apparatus200 b.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image processing apparatus 100 b includes afirst signal input unit 110 receiving a broadcast signal or an imagesignal from an image source and transmitting the signal to a first imageprocessing unit 130; the first image processing unit 130 processing theimage signal or the broadcast signal input by the first signal inputunit 110 to output a first output signal, a first controller 140controlling the first image processing unit 130, a first storage unit150, an upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 b to which the upgradeapparatus 200 b is connected, a display unit 170; a display connectionunit 173 to which the display unit 170 is connected, aconversion-amplification unit 180 converting and amplifying an audiosignal processed by the first image processing unit 130, an audio outputunit 190, and an audio output connection unit 193 to which the audiooutput unit 190 is connected.

The first signal input unit 110, the first image processing unit 130,the controller 140, the upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 b, and thedisplay connection unit 173 may be mounted on a single image processingboard or a plurality of image processing boards.

Compared with in the image processing apparatus 100 a of FIG. 2, in theimage processing apparatus 100 b of the present exemplary embodiment,the display connection unit 173 connected to the display unit 170 isprovided on an image processing board. In the exemplary embodiment shownin FIG. 2, the display connection unit 260 is provided in the upgradeapparatus 200 a.

As shown in FIG. 4, the image processing apparatus 100 b furtherincludes a signal connection member 168 inserted into the upgradeapparatus connection unit 160 b such that the first output signal outputby the first image processing unit 130 is transmitted to the displayunit 170. Specifically, the first output signal is output to the displayconnection unit 173 when the upgrade apparatus 200 b is not connected tothe upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 b.

The upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 b includes a first inputsignal terminal 161 b to which the first output signal output by thefirst image processing unit 130 is input and a display unit outputterminal 163 b which is separated from the first input signal terminal161 b and from which a signal to be output to the display unit 170 isoutput.

The signal connection member 168 includes a signal connection terminal168 a disposed between the first input signal terminal 161 b and thedisplay unit output terminal 163 b to electrically connect these twoterminals. Accordingly, until the upgrade apparatus 200 b is insertedinto the upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 b, the first outputsignal processed by the first image processing unit 130 may betransmitted to the display unit 170 by the signal connection member 168.

Meanwhile, the upgrade apparatus 200 b includes a body connection unit210 a receiving the first output signal from the first input signalterminal 161 b and transmitting a second output signal processed by asecond image processing unit 220 to the display unit 170, specificallyto the display connection unit 173 through the display unit outputterminal 163 b.

The body connection unit 210 a may be provided to project so that it canbe inserted into the upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 b.

Further, the upgrade apparatus 200 b may further include the secondimage processing unit 220 processing the first output signal inputthrough the first input signal terminal 161 b and the body connectionunit 210 a to output the second output signal, a second controller 230controlling the second image processing unit 220, a second storage unit240, and an upgrade apparatus casing (not shown) accommodating thesecond image processing unit 220, the second controller 230, and thesecond storage unit 240.

To connect the upgrade apparatus 200 b to the upgrade apparatusconnection unit 160 b, the signal connection member 168 is removed fromthe upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 b, and then the bodyconnection unit 210 a of the upgrade apparatus 200 b is inserted intothe upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 b.

Referring to FIG. 5, a display system 1 c according to an exemplaryembodiment includes an upgrade apparatus 200 b and an image processingapparatus 100 c functionally upgraded when the upgrade apparatus 200 bis connected thereto.

The image processing apparatus 100 c includes a data distribution unit178 distributing a first image signal output by a first image processingunit 130 to an upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 and a dataselection unit 169, the data selection unit 169 selecting any one of asecond image signal output through the upgrade apparatus connection unit160 and the first image signal distributed by the data distribution unit178, and a first controller 140 controlling the data distribution unit178 and the data selection unit 169.

The data distribution unit 178 may include a demultiplexer distributingthe first image signal into a plurality of output signals by a controlsignal of the first controller 140.

The data selection unit 169 may include a multiplexer selecting any oneof the first image signal and the second image signal by a controlsignal of the first controller 140.

The first controller 140 controls the data distribution unit 178 and thedata selection unit 169 to output the first output signal output fromthe first image processing unit 130 to a display unit 170 when theupgrade apparatus 200 b is not connected to the image processingapparatus 100 c. Here, as described above, the first output signalincludes at least one of the first image signal and a first audiosignal.

In detail, when the upgrade apparatus 200 b is not connected to theupgrade apparatus connection unit 160, the first controller 140 controlsthe data distribution unit 178 to distribute the first image signaloutput by the first image processing unit 130 to the data selection unit169. Further, the first controller 140 controls the data selection unit169 to select the first image signal output from the data distributionunit 178 and output the signal to a display connection unit 173.Accordingly, a first image corresponding to the first image signal maybe displayed on the display unit 170.

When the upgrade apparatus 200 b is connected, the first controller 140controls the data distribution unit 178 and the data selection unit 169to distribute the first output signal output from the first imageprocessing unit 130 to the upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 and tooutput a second output signal output by the upgrade apparatus 200 b tothe display unit 170.

In detail, when the upgrade apparatus 200 b is connected to the upgradeapparatus connection unit 160, the first controller 140 controls thedata distribution unit 178 to distribute the first image signal outputby the first image processing unit 130 to the upgrade apparatusconnection unit 160. Accordingly, the first image signal transmitted tothe upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 is input to a second imageprocessing unit 220 through a body connection unit 210 a. The secondimage processing unit 220 processes the input first image signal tooutput a second image signal, and the output second image signal isinput to the data selection unit 169 through the body connection unit210 a and the upgrade apparatus connection unit 160. The data selectionunit 169 selects and outputs the second image signal to the displayconnection unit 173 according to a control instruction of the firstcontroller 140. Accordingly, a second image corresponding to the secondimage signal may be displayed on the display unit 170. Here, the secondimage signal may be functionally improved as compared with the firstimage signal or may have a newly added function which the first imagesignal does not have.

Accordingly, a user may watch an upgraded image by mounting the upgradeapparatus 200 b to the image processing apparatus 100 c.

When the upgrade apparatus 200 b is connected to the upgrade apparatusconnection unit 160, the first output signal output by the first imageprocessing unit 130 may be input to the second image processing unit 220through the upgrade apparatus connection unit 160, thereby outputtingthe second output signal.

Here, the first output signal may include the first audio signal as wellas the first image signal.

The first audio signal is input to the second image processing unit 220through the upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 and processed by thesecond image processing unit 220, thereby outputting a second audiosignal. The second audio signal output by the second image processingunit 220 may be output to an audio output unit 190 via the upgradeapparatus connection unit 160, the first image processing unit 130, anda conversion-amplification unit 180.

In the foregoing exemplary embodiment, the data distribution unit 178and the data selection unit 169 are controlled by the first controller140. However, as necessary, a second controller 230 of the upgradeapparatus 200 b may control the data distribution unit 178 and the dataselection unit 169 to perform the same functions described above.

Referring to FIG. 6, a display system 1 d according to an exemplaryembodiment includes an upgrade apparatus 200 b and an image processingapparatus 100 d to which the upgrade apparatus 200 b is connected.

The image processing apparatus 100 d includes a first image processingunit 130 a processing an input signal input through a first signal inputunit 110 and outputting a first image signal through a first output port130 a 1 and a second output port 130 a 2, an upgrade apparatusconnection unit 160 b receiving the first image signal output from thefirst output port of the first image processing unit 130 a, and an imagesignal switch 165 selectively transmitting the first image signal outputfrom the second output port of the first image processing unit 130 a tothe display unit 170.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the signal connectionmember 168 is inserted into the upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 bbefore the upgrade apparatus 200 is connected to the upgrade apparatusconnection unit 160 b. However, in the present exemplary embodiment, asignal connection member 168 is not inserted into the upgrade apparatusconnection unit 160 b before the upgrade apparatus 200 is connectedthereto.

That is, until the upgrade apparatus 200 b is not connected, a firstinput signal terminal 161 b and a display unit output terminal 163 b ofthe upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 b do not short-circuit, butare physically open. Accordingly, a first output signal by the firstimage processing unit 130 input to the first input signal terminal 161 bis not output to the display unit 170 through the display unit outputunit 163 b.

When the upgrade apparatus 200 b is not connected to the upgradeapparatus connection unit 160 b, a first controller 140 turns on theimage signal switch 165 so that the first image signal is transmitted tothe display unit 170, specifically to a display connection unit 173.Accordingly, a first image corresponding to the first image signal isdisplayed on the display unit 170.

When it is detected that the upgrade apparatus 200 b is connected to theupgrade apparatus connection unit 160 b, the first controller 140 turnsoff the image signal switch 165 so that the first image signal is nottransmitted directly to the display unit 170. Accordingly, the firstimage signal input to the upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 b may betransmitted to the upgrade apparatus 200 b through a body connectionunit 210 a and processed by a second image processing unit 220. A secondimage signal processed by the second image processing unit 220 istransmitted to the display unit 170 through the upgrade apparatusconnection unit 160 b. Accordingly, a second image corresponding to thesecond image signal may be displayed on the display unit 170.

Here, the image signal switch 165 may be configured as a switch suitablefor an electrical signal system capable of operating at a high speed inaccordance with low voltage differential signaling (LVDS). The imagesignal switch 165 may be configured as a bus switch capable oftransmitting data at a high speed.

Referring to FIG. 7, a display system 1 e according to an exemplaryembodiment includes an upgrade apparatus 200 b and an image processingapparatus 100 e to which the upgrade apparatus 200 b is connected.

Compared with the previous exemplary embodiment, the image processingapparatus 100 e according to the present exemplary embodiment includes afirst image processing unit 130 processing an input signal input througha first signal input unit 110 to output a first image signal through asingle output port.

The first image signal output through the single output port of thefirst image processing unit 130 is divided and input to an upgradeapparatus connection unit 160 b and an image signal switch 165.

The other elements of the display system 1 e in the present exemplaryembodiment are the same as those of the display system 1 d in theprevious exemplary embodiment, and thus descriptions thereof are omittedherein.

Referring to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, a display system 1 f according to anexemplary embodiment includes an upgrade apparatus 200 b and an imageprocessing apparatus 100 f to be upgraded when the upgrade apparatus 200b is connected to the image processing apparatus 100 f.

The image processing apparatus 100 f includes an upgrade apparatusconnection unit 160 c selectively transmitting any one of a first outputsignal output from a first image processing unit 130 and a second outputsignal output from a second image processing unit 220 to a display unit170 depending on whether the upgrade apparatus 200 b is inserted or isnot inserted into the image processing apparatus 100 f.

The upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 c according to the presentexemplary embodiment is configured to switch the first output signal andthe second output signal alone without the signal connection member 168in FIG. 4, the data distribution unit 178, the data selection unit 169,and the image signal switch 165 which are provided to selectivelytransmit the first output signal and the second output signal to thedisplay unit 170 in the foregoing exemplary embodiments.

The upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 c includes a first inputsignal terminal 161 c to which the first output signal output from thefirst image processing unit 130 is input, and a display unit outputterminal 163 c to be selectively brought in contact with any one of thefirst input signal terminal 161 c and a body connection unit 210 of theupgrade apparatus 200 b based on whether the upgrade apparatus 200 b isconnected so that any one of the first output signal and the secondoutput signal is output to the display unit 170.

Here, at least one of the first input signal terminal 161 c and thedisplay unit output terminal 163 c may be configured to move in anapproach direction to be brought in contact with the other thereof whenthe upgrade apparatus 200 b is not connected and to move back in areceding direction to be brought out of contact with the other thereofwhen the upgrade apparatus 200 b is connected.

In detail, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a first contact unit 161 c 1 ofthe first input signal terminal 161 c and a second contact unit 163 c 1of the display unit output terminal 163 c move close to each other to bein contact with each other when the upgrade apparatus 200 b is notinserted.

Here, the image processing apparatus 100 f may further include anelastic member 165 c to provide elastic biasing force F1 and F2 to atleast one of the first input signal terminal 161 c and the display unitoutput terminal 163 c so that the first input signal terminal 161 c andthe display unit output terminal 163 c are brought in contact with eachother when the upgrade apparatus 200 b is not connected to the upgradeapparatus connection unit 160 c.

When a body connection unit 210 a of the upgrade apparatus 200 b isinserted between the first input signal terminal 161 c and the displayunit output terminal 163 c, the first input signal terminal 161 c andthe display unit output terminal 163 c move in the receding direction sothat the first contact unit 161 c 1 and the second contact unit 163 c 1are spaced away from each other. Then, the first input signal terminal161 c is brought in contact with an input terminal (not shown) of thebody connection unit 210 a and the display unit output terminal 163 c isbrought in contact with an output terminal 212 of the body connectionunit 210 a. Accordingly, the first output signal is input through theinput terminal of the body connection unit 210 a, processed by thesecond image processing unit 220, and then output as the second outputsignal to the display unit output terminal 163 c through the outputterminal 212 of the body connection unit 210 a.

Thus, when the upgrade apparatus 200 b is not inserted into the upgradeapparatus connection unit 160 c, the first output signal may betransmitted to the display unit 170 through the display unit outputterminal 163 c. Further, when the upgrade apparatus 200 b is insertedinto the upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 c, the second outputsignal may be transmitted to the display unit 170 through the displayunit output terminal 163 c.

Here, the body connection unit 210 a may include a first surface 213facing the first input signal terminal 161 c and a second surface 214facing the display unit output terminal 163 c, wherein the inputterminal may be provided on the first surface 213 and the outputterminal 212 may be provided on the second surface 214.

Although FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate that both the first input signalterminal 161 c and the display unit output terminal 163 c move close toor away from each other, as necessary, any one of the first input signalterminal 161 c and the display unit output terminal 163 c can be fixedwhile the other thereof moves back and forth.

Further, although FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate that at least one of thefirst input signal terminal 161 c and the display unit output terminal163 c moves, as necessary, the first input signal terminal 161 c and thedisplay unit output terminal 163 c do not have to move and can be formedof a transformable elastic material. In this case, when the bodyconnection unit 210 a is inserted, the first input signal terminal 161 cand the display unit output terminal 163 c are transformed by contactwith the body connection unit 210 a, thereby bringing the first inputsignal terminal 161 c and the display unit output terminal 163 c out ofcontact with each other.

FIGS. 11 to 17 are perspective views, enlarged views and cross-sectionalviews illustrating connections of an upgrade apparatus connection unitof an image processing apparatus and an upgrade apparatus according toexemplary embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a body connectionunit 210 of an upgrade apparatus 200 may be connected to an upgradeapparatus connection unit 160 of an image processing apparatus 100 viaan intermediate board 1101.

As shown in FIG. 13, the upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 mayinclude a fixing unit 1601 so that the intermediate board 1101 is fixedand inserted into the upgrade apparatus connection unit 160. The fixingunit 1601 includes an elastic hook to fix the intermediate board 1101 tothe upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 when the intermediate board1101 is inserted.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating that the body connectionunit 210 of the upgrade apparatus 200 is connected to the upgradeapparatus connection unit 160 of the image processing apparatus 100 viathe intermediate board 1101. FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional viewof the upgrade apparatus connection unit 160 and an enlarged view of aterminal portion. As shown in FIG. 15, a terminal 1602 of the upgradeapparatus connection unit 160 may be protected by a housing 1603.

FIGS. 16 and 17 are perspective views illustrating a connection of anupgrade apparatus connection unit of an image processing apparatus andan upgrade apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown inFIG. 16, a body connection unit 2101 of an upgrade apparatus 200includes a terminal unit 2102. As shown in FIG. 17, the body connectionunit 2101 may be inserted into an upgrade apparatus connection unit 1604of an image processing apparatus 100.

Referring to FIG. 18, a display system 1 g according to an exemplaryembodiment includes an upgrade apparatus 200 b and an image processingapparatus 100 g upgraded by the upgrade apparatus 200 b.

Compared with the display system 1 e of FIG. 7, the image processingapparatus 100 g of the display system 1 g according to the presentexemplary embodiment further includes a wireless user input unit 120 a,a wireless communication unit 183, a camera unit 185, and a control pathconversion switch 187.

The wireless user input unit 120 a is to receive a control input signalwirelessly from a user and may include a remote controller, a wirelesskeyboard, and a wireless mouse.

The wireless user input unit 120 a may be configured to communicate withthe image processing apparatus 100 g using a short-range communicationmethod, such as Bluetooth or infrared communication.

The wireless communication unit 183 is used to access an Internetnetwork wirelessly and may include a wireless communication module inaccordance with at least one wireless communication technology amongWi-Fi, WiBro and Long Term Evolution (LTE).

The camera unit 185 is used to take an image and may include an imagesensor (not shown) and an optical lens (not shown).

The control path conversion switch 187 selects either a first controller140 or the upgrade apparatus 200 b to have control over at least one ofthe wireless user input unit 120 a, the wireless communication unit 183and the camera unit 185 based on whether the upgrade apparatus 200 b isconnected.

When the upgrade apparatus 200 b is not connected to an upgradeapparatus connection unit 160 b, the first controller 140 controls thewireless user input unit 120 a, the wireless communication unit 183 andthe camera unit 185.

However, when the upgrade apparatus 200 b is connected to the upgradeapparatus connection unit 160 b, the first controller 140 may stopcontrolling at least one of the wireless user input unit 120 a, thewireless communication unit 183 and the camera unit 185. Instead of thefirst controller 140, a second controller 230 of the upgrade apparatus220 b may directly control at least one of the wireless user input unit120 a, the wireless communication unit 183 and the camera unit 185 bythe control path conversion switch 187.

Internal elements to be quickly processed or controlled, such as userinput, Internet data and a taken image signal received through thewireless user input unit 120 a, the wireless communication unit 183 andthe camera unit 185, may need to be connected directly to the secondcontroller 230 instead of communicating with the second controller 230via the first controller 140. In this case, when the upgrade apparatus200 b is connected to the image processing apparatus 100 g, the controlpath conversion switch 187 is controlled to form a control path directlyconnecting the second controller 230 and at least one of the wirelessuser input unit 120 a, the wireless communication unit 183 and thecamera unit 185.

Meanwhile, when the upgrade apparatus 200 b is not connected, a controlpath is formed such that the wireless user input unit 120 a, thewireless communication unit 183 and the camera unit 185 are controlledby the first controller 140.

The control path conversion switch 187 may be controlled by at least oneof the first controller 140 and the second controller 230 of the upgradeapparatus 200 b. When the first controller 140 and the second controller230 control the control path conversion switch 187 together, at leastone of control instructions of the first controller 140 and the secondcontroller 230 is given priority. For example, the first controller 140has main control and the second controller 230 has auxiliary control,and vice versa.

Hereinafter, an image processing apparatus (display apparatus), anupgrade apparatus, a display system, and a control method thereofaccording to another exemplary embodiment will be described. In thepresent exemplary embodiment, descriptions of components which are thesame as or similar to those of the image processing apparatuses 100 to100 g, the upgrade apparatuses 200 to 200 g, and the display systems 1to 1 g described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 18 will be omitted herein.FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a display system 221 according to anexemplary embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 19, the display system 221 according to the presentexemplary embodiment includes a display apparatus 22100 processing animage signal provided from an external image source (not shown)according to a preset image processing process to display an image andan upgrade apparatus 22200 upgrading hardware and/or software of thedisplay apparatus 22100.

The display apparatus 22100 may be configured as, for example, a TV, andis capable of performing any function included in the display apparatus22100 alone, except for an upgraded function provided by the upgradeapparatus 22200, when not connected to the upgrade apparatus 22200. Forexample, the display apparatus 22100 may conduct an image displayingfunction of an external imaging device, a multimedia content reproducingfunction, and a network function.

Further, as shown in FIG. 20, the display apparatus 22100 includes aconnection unit 22130, a storage unit 22150, and a controller 22110,which will be described, to communicate with the upgrade apparatus 22200and to perform an upgraded function when connected to the upgradeapparatus 22200.

The display apparatus 22100 is connected to the upgrade apparatus 22200to perform an upgraded function. As shown in FIG. 21, the upgradeapparatus 22200 may include an image processing unit 22220 more upgradedthan an image processing unit of the display apparatus 22100, which willbe described. Alternatively, the upgrade apparatus 22200 may include acontroller 22219 more upgraded than the controller 22110 of the displayapparatus 22100, which will be described. The display apparatus 22100may replace a function thereof with an upgraded function of the upgradeapparatus 22200 or perform a function thereof and a function of theupgrade apparatus 22200 in combination using the upgrade apparatus22200.

The display apparatus 22100 may display a broadcast image based on abroadcast signal, broadcast information, or broadcast data received froma transmitter of a broadcasting station.

Further, the display apparatus 22100 may display images, such as videos,still images, applications, OSDs based on signals or data received fromvarious types of image sources (not shown), and GUIs for controllingvarious operations.

In the display system 221, the upgrade apparatus 22200 is connected tothe display apparatus 22100 to communicate therewith. The upgradeapparatus 22200 upgrades existing hardware or software of the connecteddisplay apparatus 22100 and enables an image signal to be processed bythe upgraded hardware or software of the display apparatus 22100,thereby displaying an image with improved quality.

Further, the upgrade apparatus 22200 may be connected to the displayapparatus 22100 via wire or wirelessly and transmit and receive data,information, signals, or power with the display apparatus 22100.

Further, the upgrade apparatus 22200 may be configured as a mobilephone, a USB dongle, or a set-top box which is connectable to thedisplay apparatus 22100 via wire or wirelessly.

The display apparatus 22100 may autonomously process an image signalreceived from the outside according to a preset image processing processand display an image based on the signal. However, in the presentexemplary embodiment, as the display apparatus 22100 and the upgradeapparatus 22200 are connected to each other, hardware or softwareconfigurations of the display system 221 performing the above imageprocessing process are upgraded. Accordingly, an image with relativelyenhanced quality or an image with a newly added function may be providedto a user.

Hereinafter, configurations of the display apparatus 22100 and theupgrade apparatus 22200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and21.

As shown in FIG. 20, the display apparatus 22100 includes a signalinput/output unit 22140 inputting/outputting at least one image signal,an image processing unit 22120 processing the image signal receivedthrough the signal input/output unit 22140, a display unit 22160displaying an image based on the image signal processed by the imageprocessing unit 22120, a user input unit 22170, the storage unit 22150storing data or information, the connection unit 22130 connected to theupgrade apparatus 22200, and the controller 22110 controlling operationsof all components of the display apparatus 22100.

The signal input/output unit 22140 transmits a received image signal tothe image processing unit 22120 and is configured in various types inaccordance with standards of received signals and formats of the imagesource and the display apparatus 22100. For example, the signalinput/output unit 22140 may receive signals/data in accordance withHDMI, USB, and component standards and include a plurality of connectionterminals (not shown) corresponding to the respective standards.

The image processing unit 22120 may perform various preset imageprocessing processes on an image signal received from the signalinput/output unit 22140. The image processing unit 22120 outputs aprocessed image signal to the display unit 22160, so that an image basedon the image signal is displayed on the display unit 22160.

The image processing unit 22120 may perform any type of imageprocessing, without being limited to, for example, demultiplexing toseparate a signal into characteristic signals, decoding in accordancewith an image format of an image signal, de-interlacing to convert aninterlaced image signal into a progressive form, scaling to adjust animage signal to a preset resolution, noise reduction to improve imagequality, detail enhancement, frame refresh rate conversion, or the like.

The image processing unit 22120 is provided as an image processing board(not shown) in which a circuit system including various chip sets (notshown), a memory (not shown), electronic components (not shown) andwiring (not shown) to conduct such processes is mounted on a printedcircuit board (PCB, not shown).

The display unit 22160 displays an image based on an image signal outputfrom the image processing unit 22120. The display unit 22160 may beconfigured in various display modes using liquid crystals, plasma, lightemitting diodes, organic light emitting diodes, a surface conductionelectron emitter, a carbon nano-tube, nano-crystals, or the like,without being limited thereto.

The display unit 22160 may further include an additional elementdepending on a display mode thereof. For example, in a display modeusing liquid crystals, the display unit 22160 may include a liquidcrystal display (LCD) panel, a backlight unit (not shown) providinglight to the panel, and a panel drive board (not shown) driving thepanel.

The user input unit 22170 transmits various preset control commands orunlimited information to the controller 22110 by a user's manipulationand input. The user input unit 22170 may be provided as a menu key andan input panel installed on an outside of the display apparatus 22100 oras a remote controller separate from the display apparatus 22100.

Alternatively, the user input unit 22170 may be configured as a singlebody with the display unit 22160. That is, if the display unit 22160 isa touch screen, a user may transmit a preset command to the controller22110 through an input menu (not shown) displayed on the display unit22160.

The storage unit 22150 may store unlimited data according to control ofthe controller 22110. The storage unit 22150 may be configured as anon-volatile memory, such as a flash memory and a hard disk drive. Thestorage unit 22150 is accessible by the controller 22110, and the datastored in the storage unit 22150 may be read, recorded, revised,deleted, or updated by the controller 22110.

The storage unit 22150 may store, for example, an operating system torun the display apparatus 22100 and various applications, image data,and optional data which are executable in the operating system.

Further, the storage unit 22150 may store information on a control ofthe controller 22110 on an operation of the upgrade apparatus 22200 whenthe upgrade apparatus 22200 is connected.

The connection unit 22130 may be configured as a connection port inaccordance with HDMI, USB or component standards or LVDS standard forcommunication with the upgrade apparatus 22200.

The connection unit 22130 may be provided in any type and form, withoutbeing limited to the foregoing examples, as long as it is configured toenable the display apparatus 22100 and the upgrade apparatus 22200 tocommunicate at least one of data, a signal, information, and power witheach other.

Further, the connection unit 22130 may include a plurality of terminalsto be connected to a plurality of upgrade apparatuses 22200 havingdifferent upgraded functions.

The controller 22110 performs control operations over various componentsof the display apparatus 22100. For example, the controller 22110conducts image processing in charge of the image processing unit 22120,transmission/reception operations of signals, information, or datathrough the connection unit 22130, and a control operation correspondingto a command from the user input unit 22170, thereby controlling thegeneral operations of the display apparatus 22100.

Further, the controller 22110 may include a microcomputer (not shown) toadjust a control range of the controller 22100 corresponding to anoperation of the upgrade apparatus 22200 when the upgrade apparatus22200 is connected to the connection unit 22130.

That is, the microcomputer may communicate with the upgrade apparatus22200 and assign the control to the upgrade apparatus 22200 or allow thecontroller 22110 to hold the control with respect to each operationbased on the information stored in the storage unit 22150.

Accordingly, the controller 22110 may control a received image signal tobe processed by the upgrade apparatus 22200 when the upgrade apparatus22200 is connected to the connection unit 22130.

Furthermore, the controller 22110 may control the image processing unit22120 to conduct first image processing on a received image signal andenable the upgrade apparatus 22200 to conduct second image processing ona processed first image.

In addition, the controller 22110 may control the image processing unit22120 to receive a second image processed by the upgrade apparatus 22200and to conduct third image processing on the second image.

Also, the controller 22110 may control the display unit 22160 to receivean image signal processed by the upgrade apparatus 22200 and to displaythe received image signal.

Moreover, the controller 22110 may control the display unit 22160 toreceive an image signal processed by the upgrade apparatus 22200 and todisplay the received image signal via follow-up image processingprocesses by the image processing unit 22120.

Further, the controller 22110 may assign the control to the upgradeapparatus 22200 so that the image processing unit 22120 processes areceived image signal according to control of the upgrade apparatus22200.

In addition, the controller 22110 may control the display unit 22160 toreceive an image signal received and processed by the upgrade apparatus22200 and to display an image based on the received image signal.

Upgrading the display apparatus 22100 having the foregoing configurationis necessary for various cases, for example, to receive an image signalin a new format which is not proposed when the display apparatus 22100is first manufactured, to receive an image signal with a higher levelthan supported solely by the display apparatus 22100, or to reducesystem load of the display apparatus 22100.

Upgrading the display apparatus 22100 may be carried out in terms ofhardware and software. In the present exemplary embodiment, the upgradeapparatus 22200 provided to upgrade the display apparatus 22100 isconnected to the connection unit 22130, thereby upgrading at least oneof the existing hardware and software configurations of the displayapparatus 22100.

The upgrade apparatus 22200 includes hardware or software configurationscorresponding to at least part of the hardware or software resources ofthe display apparatus 22100. These hardware or software configurationsof the upgrade apparatus 22200 are provided to perform more improvedfunctions than the at least part of the resources of the displayapparatus 22100. Thus, when the upgrade apparatus 22200 is connected tothe display apparatus 22100, the display apparatus 22100 may provide animage with more improved quality than that solely realized by thedisplay apparatus 22100.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the upgrade apparatus 22200 will bedescribed.

The upgrade apparatus 22200 includes a connection unit 22230 connectedto the connection unit 22130 of the display apparatus 22100, an imageprocessing unit 22220 capable of replacing an image processing processof the image processing unit 22120 or performing processes correspondingto at least part of the image processing processes of the imageprocessing unit 22120, a storage unit 22250 storing unlimited data orinformation, a signal input/output unit 22240 inputting/outputting animage signal, and a controller 22210 controlling general operations ofthe upgrade apparatus 22200.

The connection unit 22230 is connected to the connection unit 22130,thereby enabling communication between the upgrade apparatus 22200 andthe display apparatus 22100. The connection unit 22230 may be connectedto the connection unit 22130 via wire or wirelessly. The connection unit22230 may be connected to the connection unit 22130 in various methods,without being particularly limited.

The image processing unit 22220 may perform image processing instead ofthe image processing unit 22120 of the display apparatus 22100 orperform part of all image processing processes performed by the imageprocessing unit 22120 instead. The image processing processes performedby the image processing unit 22220 instead of the image processing unit22120 include a function upgraded from a function of the imageprocessing unit 22120 of the display apparatus 22100 or an additionalfunction which the image processing unit 22120 is not capable ofperforming and are achieved by upgrading hardware, such as a chip set,or software, such as algorithms, executable codes, or programs.

For example, the image processing unit 22220 processes an image signalwith high resolution or an image signal in a format which the imageprocessing unit 22120 cannot handle.

The storage unit 22250 stores unlimited data. The storage unit 22250 isconfigured as a nonvolatile memory, such as a flash memory and a harddisk drive. The storage unit 22250 is accessed by the controller 22110of the display apparatus 22100 or the controller 22210, and the datastored in the storage unit 22250 is read, recorded, revised, deleted, orupdated by controller 22110 or controller 22210. Meanwhile, the storageunit 22150 may also be accessed by not only the controller 22110 but thecontroller 22210 depending on a configuration thereof.

Further, when an operating system stored in the storage unit 22250 is amore upgraded version than the operating system stored in the storageunit 22150, the operating system of the storage unit 22150 may beupdated to the operating system of the storage unit 22250 to run theupdated operating system, or the operating system of the storage unit22250 may be run instead of the operating system of the storage unit22150.

Further, the storage unit 22250 stores information corresponding to theinformation associated with assigning control priority stored in thestorage unit 22150 of the display apparatus 22100. Accordingly, thecontrol priority between the controller 22110 and controller 22210 maybe adjusted using communication with the display apparatus 22100.

The signal input/output unit 22240 transmits a received image signal tothe image processing unit 22220 and is configured in various types inaccordance with standards of received signals and formats of the imagesource and the display apparatus 22100. For example, the signalinput/output unit 22240 may receive signals or data in accordance withHDMI, USB, and component standards and include a plurality of connectionterminals (not shown) corresponding to the respective standards.

Further, the signal input/output unit 22240 may include an input unitfor an image signal in a new format which the signal input/output unit22140 of the display apparatus 22100 cannot receive.

The controller 22210 controls a connection operation of the displayapparatus 22100 and the upgrade apparatus 22200 for performing thegeneral image processing processes.

Further, the controller 22210 may include a microcomputer (not shown) tocommunicate with the controller 22110 of the display apparatus 22100when the display apparatus 22100 is connected to the connection unit22230.

The controller 22210 and the controller 22110 may be configured as aCPU. Thus, if the controller 22210 performs a more improved functionthan the controller 22110, the controller 22210 may disable thecontroller 22110 and control general operations of the display system221 instead of the controller 22110. Alternatively, the controller 22210may control the general operations of the display system 221 togetherwith the controller 22110.

Further, the controller 22210 communicates with the display apparatus22100 and may be assigned a control with respect to each operation basedon the information stored in the storage unit 22250.

Accordingly, the controller 22210 may control an image signal to beprocessed by the image processing unit 22220.

In addition, the controller 22210 may control the processed image signalto be transmitted to the display apparatus 22100 and displayed on thedisplay unit 22160.

Hereinafter, a control method of the display apparatus 22100 accordingto an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 22.

As shown in FIG. 22, the controller 22110 detects whether the upgradeapparatus 22200 is connected to the display apparatus 22100 through theconnection unit 22130 of the display apparatus 22100 (S22100).

When the upgrade apparatus 22200 is not connected to the displayapparatus 22100, the controller 22110 controls all operations of thedisplay apparatus 22100 according to a preset process.

When the upgrade apparatus 22200 is connected to the display apparatus22100, the controller 22110 determines at least one function of thedisplay apparatus 22100 to be upgraded corresponding to the upgradeapparatus 22200 (S22110).

For example, among image processing processes, such as demultiplexing toseparate a signal into an image signal, an audio signal and optionaldata, decoding the demultiplexed image signal into an image format, andscaling the decoded image signal to a preset resolution, a decodingprocess is determined

The controller 22110 controls the upgraded function to be performedusing the upgrade apparatus 22200 (S22120).

For example, the controller 22110 controls the determined decodingprocess to be conducted by the image processing unit 22220 of theupgrade apparatus 22200.

Further, the controller 22110 may control the display unit 22160 toreceive and display an image signal processed by the upgrade apparatus22200.

In addition, the controller 22110 may determine all functions withrespect to the image processing processes and assign a control to theupgrade apparatus 22200, so that a received image signal may beprocessed overall by the upgrade apparatus 22200.

Hereinafter, a control method of the upgrade apparatus 22200 accordingto an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 23.

As shown in FIG. 23, the controller 22210 detects whether the displayapparatus 22100 is connected to the upgrade apparatus 22200 through theconnection unit 22230 (S22200).

When the display apparatus 22100 is connected, the controller 22210notifies the display apparatus 22100 of at least one upgraded functionto be provided to the display apparatus 22100 (S22210).

The controller 22210 controls the at least one upgraded function to beconducted (S22220).

Here, the controller 22210 may be assigned a control from the controller22110 of the display apparatus 22100 in order to conduct the upgradedfunction.

For example, the controller 22210 may control the received image signalto be partly or entirely processed by the image processing unit 22220.

Then, the controller 22210 may transmit the processed image signal bythe image processing unit 22220 to the display apparatus so that animage based on the image signal is displayed on the display unit 22160.

Hereinafter, control operations of the controller 22110 and thecontroller 22210 when the display apparatus 22100 and the upgradeapparatus 22200 are connected according to exemplary embodiments will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 24.

FIG. 24( a) illustrates the controller 22210 of the upgrade apparatus22200 is assigned a control from the display apparatus 22100 to conductgeneral control.

For example, when the display apparatus 22100 and the upgrade apparatus22200 are connected, the controller 22210 is assigned a control over allreceived image signals to be processed by the image processing unit22220 of the upgrade apparatus 22200 and may disable the controller22110 and/or the image processing unit 22120 of the display apparatus22100.

FIG. 24( b) illustrates the controller 22110 of the display apparatus22100 and the controller 22210 of the upgrade apparatus 22200 performingcontrol in combination.

For example, the controller 22110 may control the image processing unit22120 to conduct first image processing on a received image signal, andthe controller 22210 of the upgrade apparatus 22200 may receive thefirst-processed image signal and control the image processing unit 22220to conduct second image processing on the image signal.

FIG. 24( c) illustrates the controller 22110 of the display apparatus22100 performs main control and the controller 22210 of the upgradeapparatus 22200 performs sub-control.

For example, the controller 22110 of the display apparatus 22100 maycontrol a received video signal to be processed by the image processingunit 22120 and to be displayed on the display unit 22160, and thecontroller 22210 of the upgrade apparatus 22200 may control the imageprocessing unit 22220 to process a graphic image, such as a GUI,overlapping the video image displayed on the display apparatus 22100.

Alternatively, the controller 22210 of the upgrade apparatus 22200 mayperform control depending on an instruction of the controller 22110 ofthe display apparatus 22100.

FIG. 24( d) illustrates the controller 22210 of the upgrade apparatus22200 performs main control and the controller 22110 of the displayapparatus 22100 performs sub-control, which is, for example, the reverseof FIG. 24( c).

Hereinafter, an image processing apparatus (display apparatus), anupgrade apparatus, and a display system according to still anotherexemplary embodiment will be described. In the present exemplaryembodiment, descriptions of components which are the same as or similarto those of the image processing apparatuses 100 to 100 g, the displayapparatus 22100, the upgrade apparatuses 200 to 200 g and 22200, and thedisplay systems 1 to 1 g and 221 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to24 will be omitted herein.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a display system 331 according to anexemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 25, the display system 331according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a displayapparatus 33100 processing an image signal provided from an externalimage source (not shown) according to a preset image processing processto display an image and an upgrade apparatus 33200 upgrading hardware orsoftware of the display apparatus 33100.

The display apparatus 33100 may be configured as, for example, a TV, andmay conduct an image displaying function of an external imaging device,a multimedia content reproducing function, and a network function. Thedisplay apparatus 33100 is connected to the upgrade apparatus 33200 toperform an upgraded function. Meanwhile, the upgrade apparatus 33200 mayinclude an image processing unit more upgraded than an image processingunit of the display apparatus 33100. Alternatively, the upgradeapparatus 33200 may include a controller more upgraded than thecontroller of the display apparatus 33100. The display apparatus 33100may replace a function thereof with an upgraded function of the upgradeapparatus 33200 or perform a function thereof and a function of theupgrade apparatus 33200 in combination using the upgrade apparatus33200.

The display apparatus 33100 may display a broadcast image based on abroadcast signal, broadcast information, or broadcast data received froma transmitter of a broadcasting station. Further, the display apparatus33100 may display images, such as videos, still images, applications,OSDs based on signals or data received from various types of imagesources (not shown), and GUIs for controlling various operations.

In the display system 331, the upgrade apparatus 33200 is connected tothe display apparatus 33100 to communicate therewith. The upgradeapparatus 33200 upgrades existing hardware or software of the connecteddisplay apparatus 33100 and enables an image signal to be processed bythe upgraded hardware or software of the display apparatus 33100,thereby displaying an image with improved quality.

Further, the upgrade apparatus 33200 may be connected to the displayapparatus 33100 via wire or wirelessly and transmit and receive data,information, signals, or power with the display apparatus 33100.

The display apparatus 33100 may autonomously process an image signalreceived from the outside according to a preset image processing processand display an image based on the signal. However, in the presentexemplary embodiment, as the display apparatus 33100 and the upgradeapparatus 33200 are connected to each other, hardware or softwareconfigurations of the display system 331 performing the above imageprocessing process are upgraded. Accordingly, an image with relativelyenhanced quality or an image with a newly added function may be providedto a user.

Hereinafter, configurations of the display apparatus 33100 and theupgrade apparatus 33200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 and27.

As shown in FIG. 26, the display apparatus 33100 includes at least onesubsidiary modules 33130 each accommodating firmware, a connection unit33120 connected to the upgrade apparatus 33200 storing at least oneupgraded firmware corresponding to the at least one subsidiary module33130, and a controller 33110 controlling operations of all componentsof the display apparatus 33100. FIG. 26 illustrates a plurality ofsubsidiary modules but is not limited thereto. For example, there can bea single subsidiary module.

Further, the display apparatus 33100 includes a signal input/output unit(not shown) inputting/outputting at least one image signal, an imageprocessing unit (not shown) processing the image signal received throughthe signal input/output unit, a display unit (not shown) displaying animage based on the image signal processed by the image processing unit,a user input unit (not shown), and the storage unit (not shown) storingdata or information.

The signal input/output unit transmits a received image signal to theimage processing unit and is configured in various types in accordancewith standards of received signals and formats of the image source andthe display apparatus 33100. For example, the signal input/output unitmay receive signals or data in accordance with HDMI, USB, and componentstandards and may include a plurality of connection terminals (notshown) corresponding to the respective standards.

The image processing unit may perform various preset image processingprocesses on an image signal received from the signal input/output unit.The image processing unit outputs a processed image signal to thedisplay unit, so that an image based on the image signal is displayed onthe display unit.

The image processing unit may perform any type of image processing,without being limited to, for example, demultiplexing to separate asignal into characteristic signals, decoding in accordance with an imageformat of an image signal, de-interlacing to convert an interlaced imagesignal into a progressive form, scaling to adjust an image signal to apreset resolution, noise reduction to improve image quality, detailenhancement, frame refresh rate conversion, or the like.

The image processing unit is provided as an image processing board (notshown) in which a circuit system including various chip sets (notshown), a memory (not shown), electronic components (not shown) andwiring (not shown) to conduct such processes is mounted on a printedcircuit board (PCB, not shown).

The display unit displays an image based on an image signal output fromthe image processing unit. The display unit may be configured in variousdisplay modes using liquid crystals, plasma, light emitting diodes,organic light emitting diodes, a surface conduction electron emitter, acarbon nano-tube, nano-crystals, or the like, without being limitedthereto.

The user input unit transmits various preset control commands orunlimited information to the controller 33110 by user's manipulation andinput. The user input unit may be provided as a menu key and an inputpanel installed on an outside of the display apparatus 33100 or as aremote controller separate from the display apparatus 33100.

Alternatively, the user input unit may be configured as a single bodywith the display unit. That is, if the display unit is a touch screen, auser may transmit a preset command to the controller 33110 through aninput menu (not shown) displayed on the display unit.

The storage unit may store unlimited data according to control of thecontroller 33110. The storage unit may be configured as a non-volatilememory, such as a flash memory and a hard disk drive. The storage unitis accessible by the controller 33110, and the data stored in thestorage unit may be read, recorded, revised, deleted, or updated by thecontroller 33110.

The storage unit may store, for example, an operating system to run thedisplay apparatus 33100 and various applications, image data, andoptional data which are executable in the operating system.

Further, the storage unit may store information on a control of thecontroller 33110 on an operation of the upgrade apparatus 33200 when theupgrade apparatus 33200 is connected.

The connection unit 33120 may be configured as a connection port inaccordance with HDMI, USB or component standards or LVDS standard forcommunication with the upgrade apparatus 33200.

The connection unit 33120 may be provided in any type and form, withoutbeing limited to the foregoing examples, as long as it is configured toenable the display apparatus 33100 and the upgrade apparatus 33200 tocommunicate at least one of data, a signal, information, and power witheach other.

The subsidiary modules 33130 each include a non-volatile memory (notshown) and firmware storing an operating system for an autonomousoperation. For example, a subsidiary module 1 33131 includes firmware 1for an operation of the subsidiary module 1, and a subsidiary module 233135 includes firmware 2 for an operation of the subsidiary module 2.These subsidiary modules may include, for example, a panel manipulationunit installed on an outside of the display apparatus 33100, a WiFiunit, a Multimedia over Internet Protocol (MoIP) or a remote controllerconnected to the display apparatus wirelessly.

The controller 33110 performs control operations over various componentsof the display apparatus 33100. For example, the controller 33110conducts image processing by the image processing unit,transmission/reception operations of signals, information, or datathrough the connection unit 33120, and a control operation correspondingto a command from the user input unit, thereby controlling the overalloperations of the display apparatus 33100.

Further, when the upgrade apparatus 33200 storing the at least oneupgraded firmware corresponding to the subsidiary modules 33130 isconnected to the connection unit 33120, the controller 33110 controlsthe subsidiary modules 33130 to be upgraded to the correspondingupgraded firmware.

The controller 33110 may assign the control to the upgrade apparatus33200 and communicate with the upgrade apparatus 33200 so that thesubsidiary modules 33130 are upgraded to the corresponding upgradedfirmware by control of the upgrade apparatus 33200.

The controller 33110 controls each firmware accommodated in thesubsidiary modules 33130 to be backed up in a storage unit of theupgrade apparatus 33200.

The controller 33110 may control the subsidiary modules 33130 to beupgraded based on a user selection input through the user input unit.

The display apparatus 33100 according to the present exemplaryembodiment may include Extended Display Identification Data (EDID), andthe controller 33110 may control the EDID of the display apparatus331000 to be upgraded based on information on upgraded EDID included inthe upgrade apparatus.

The upgrade apparatus 33200 includes hardware or software configurationscorresponding to at least part of the hardware or software resources ofthe display apparatus 33100. These hardware or software configurationsof the upgrade apparatus 33200 are provided to perform more improvedfunctions than the at least part of the resources of the displayapparatus 33100. Thus, when the upgrade apparatus 33200 is connected tothe display apparatus 33100, the display apparatus 33100 may provide animage with more improved quality than that solely realized by thedisplay apparatus 33100.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the upgrade apparatus 33200 will bedescribed.

The upgrade apparatus 33200 includes a connection unit 33220 connectedto the connection unit 33120 of the display apparatus 33100, a storageunit 33230, and a controller 33210 controlling general operations of theupgrade apparatus 33200.

The connection unit 33220 is connected to the connection unit 33120,thereby enabling communication between the upgrade apparatus 33200 andthe display apparatus 33100. The connection unit 33220 may be connectedto the connection unit 33120 via wire or wirelessly. The connection unit33220 may be connected to the connection unit 33120 in various methods,without being particularly limited.

The connection unit 33220 may be configured as a connection port inaccordance with HDMI, USB or component standards or LVDS standard forcommunication with the display apparatus 33100.

The connection unit 33220 may be provided in any type and form, withoutbeing limited to the foregoing examples, as long as it is configured toenable the upgrade apparatus 33200 and the display apparatus 33100 tocommunicate at least one of data, a signal, information, and power witheach other.

The storage unit 33230 may be configured as a non-volatile memory, suchas a flash memory and a hard disk drive. The storage unit 33230 isaccessible by the controller 33110 of the display apparatus 33100 or thecontroller 33210, and the data stored in the storage unit may be read,recorded, revised, deleted, or updated by the controller 33110 and thecontroller 33210. Meanwhile, the storage unit 33230 may be also accessednot only by the controller 33110 but by the controller 33210 based on aconfiguration thereof.

The storage unit 33230 stores at least one upgraded firmware eachcorresponding to the subsidiary modules 33130 provided in the displayapparatus 33100. For example, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the storageunit 33230 may store upgraded firmware each corresponding to thefirmware of the subsidiary modules 33130, such as an upgraded firmware 133231 corresponding to the subsidiary module 1 33131 and an upgradedfirmware 2 33235 corresponding to the subsidiary module 2 33135.

Further, the storage unit 33230 may store a plurality of upgradedfirmware in different versions corresponding to the subsidiary modules33130. For example, as shown in FIG. 27, as upgraded firmwarecorresponding to the subsidiary module 2, different versions of theupgrade firmware 2 33235 and upgraded firmware 2-1 33235 a may bestored. Accordingly, there are provided a multiple-version upgradefunction enabling replacement by properly upgraded firmware among aplurality of upgraded firmware corresponding to a subsidiary module.

Also, the storage unit 33230 may back up previous firmware before thesubsidiary modules 33130 are upgraded to upgraded firmware.

The controller 33210 controls a connection operation of the displayapparatus 33100 and the upgrade apparatus 33200 for performing anupgraded function.

When the upgrade apparatus 33220 is connected to the display apparatus33100 including the subsidiary modules 33130, the controller 33210 isassigned the control from the display apparatus 33100 and controls thesubsidiary modules to be upgraded by the upgraded firmware stored in thestorage unit 33230.

Further, the controller 33210 may communicate with the display apparatusso that the subsidiary modules 33130 are upgraded by the displayapparatus 33100 to upgraded firmware stored in the storage unit 33230.

In addition, the controller 33210 controls each firmware accommodated inthe subsidiary modules 33130 to be backed up in the storage unit 33230.

Hereinafter, a control method of the display apparatus 33100 accordingto an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 28.

As shown in FIG. 28, the upgrade apparatus storing at least one upgradedfirmware is connected to the connection unit 33120 of the displayapparatus (S33100). Then, the subsidiary modules 33130 are controlled tobe upgraded to upgraded firmware (S33110). Here, each firmwarepreviously provided in the subsidiary modules 33130 are backed up in theupgrade apparatus. Further, upgrading the subsidiary modules 33130 tothe upgraded firmware may be performed based on a user selection inputthrough the user input unit.

Hereinafter, a control method of the upgrade apparatus 33200 accordingto an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 29.

As shown in FIG. 29, the display apparatus including the subsidiarymodules 33130 accommodating firmware each corresponding to upgradedfirmware stored in the storage unit 33230 is connected (S33200). Next,the controller 33210 is assigned the control from the display apparatus33100 and controls the subsidiary modules 33130 to be upgraded to theupgraded firmware stored in the storage unit 33230 (S33210). Here, thecontroller 33210 controls each firmware previously provided in thesubsidiary modules 33130 to be backed up in the storage unit 33230.Further, the controller 33210 may perform upgrading to the upgradedfirmware based on a user selection.

Hereinafter, an image processing apparatus (display apparatus), anupgrade apparatus, and a display system according to another exemplaryembodiment will be described. In the present exemplary embodiment,descriptions of components which are the same as or similar to those ofthe image processing apparatuses 100 to 100 g, the display apparatuses22100 and 33100, the upgrade apparatuses 200 to 200 g, 22200 and 33200and the display systems 1 to 1 g, 221 and 331 described with referenceto FIGS. 1 to 29 will be omitted herein.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram of a display apparatus 44100 according to anexemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 30, the display apparatus 44100includes a display unit 44110, an image reception unit 44120, a firstimage processing unit 44130, a connection unit 44140, and a controller44150. The display apparatus 44100 may be configured as a TV and can beany type of display apparatus capable of displaying an image.

The display unit 44110 displays an image. The display unit 44110 may beconfigured as a plasma display panel (PDP), a liquid crystal display(LCD), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), a flexible display, or thelike.

The image reception unit 44120 receives an analog or digital imagesignal from an external image source (not shown). The image receptionunit 44120 may be configured in various ways based on kinds or standardsof image signals and configurations of the display apparatus 44100.

The first image processing unit 44130 performs various preset imageprocessing processes on an image signal received by the image receptionunit 44120. The image processing processes include, for example,conversion of an analog image signal to a digital image signal,demodulating to shift a frequency of an image signal to a baseband,decoding in accordance with image and audio formats, de-interlacing toconvert an interlaced image signal into a progressive form, scaling toadjust an image signal to a preset resolution, and various types ofcolor processing to adjust color of a displayed image. Hereinafter,various types of color processing will be illustrated as an imageprocessing process, but the foregoing image processing processes may bealso included.

The first image processing unit 44130 may include a plurality of firstblocks each processing the plurality of image processing processesdescribed above. The first image processing unit 44130 configured as theplurality of first blocks will be illustrated with reference to FIG. 31.

The connection unit 44140 is connected to an upgrade apparatus 44200provided to upgrade the display apparatus 44100. The connection unit44140 may be configured as a connector in accordance with HDMI, USB orcomponent standards. The upgrade apparatus 44200 and the displayapparatus 44100 may transmit and receive various signals through theconnection unit 44140, and the display apparatus 44100 may provide powerto the upgrade apparatus 44200. The connection unit 44140 is connectedto a ground terminal. When the upgrade apparatus 44200 is connected tothe connection unit 44140, the controller 44150 may detects anelectrical signal by ground connection, thereby identifying that theupgrade apparatus 44200 is connected.

The connected upgrade apparatus 44200 includes a second image processingunit 44210 performing at least part of the plurality of image processingprocesses. The second image processing unit 44210 includes a pluralityof second blocks respectively corresponding to the first blocks and eachprocessing a plurality of image processing processes. The respectivesecond blocks may perform functions corresponding to the imageprocessing processes conducted by the first blocks of the first imageprocessing unit 44130.

The upgrade apparatus 44200 includes the second blocks capable ofperforming enhanced image processing processes when the displayapparatus 44100 is launched. Thus, part of the image processingprocesses is carried out by the upgrade apparatus 44200, therebyproviding an enhanced image.

The controller 44150 controls general operations of the displayapparatus 44100 and may be configured as a microprocessor, such as acentral processing unit (CPU) and a micro-control unit (MCU).

The controller 44150 identifies whether the upgrade apparatus 44200 isconnected through the connection unit 44140. When the upgrade apparatus44200 is connected, the controller 44150 checks which image processingprocess the second image processing unit 44210 of the upgrade apparatus44200 can perform. As described above, the first image processing unit44130 includes the plurality of first blocks, and the controller 44150identifies whether the second image processing unit 44210 includessecond blocks corresponding to the respective first blocks, therebyidentifying whether the second image processing unit 44210 of theupgrade apparatus 44200 is able to perform an image processing processcarried out by a particular first block.

When it is determined that the second image processing unit 44210includes a second block corresponding to the particular first block, thecontroller 44150 controls a particular image processing process to beperformed either by the first block or by the second block.

The display apparatus 44100 may include a plurality of switching units44160 respectively connected to the first blocks and to the secondblocks respectively corresponding to the first blocks to transmit asignal to either of the first blocks and the second blocks. Theswitching units 44160 may be configured as a demultiplexer (deMUX) andswitches to transmit the signal selectively to either of the firstblocks and the second blocks to process the image processing processaccording to control of the controller 44150. For example, as shown inFIG. 31, the switching unit 44160 includes demultiplexer 44161,demultiplexer 44163, demultiplexer 44165 and demultiplexer 44167.

Although the upgrade apparatus 44200 is provided to upgrade a functionof the display apparatus 44100, an image processing process is notnecessarily conducted by the second image processing unit 44210 of theupgrade apparatus 44200. All second blocks may be used based on apresetting of the upgrade apparatus 44200, or any one of a first blockand a corresponding second block may be selected by a user.

FIG. 31 illustrates the first image processing unit 44130 and the secondimage processing unit 44210 in detail.

FIG. 31 illustrates only part of the image processing processes carriedout by the display apparatus 44100 and the upgrade apparatus 44200, andthe present exemplary embodiment may be applied to various other imageprocessing processes known in the art.

As shown in FIG. 31, the first image processing unit 44130 may include aplurality of first blocks 44131, 44133, 44135 and 44137, that is, afirst definition enhancement block 44131, a first color selection block44133, a first contrast ratio enhancement block 44135 and a first whitebalance adjustment block 44137. The first blocks, the first definitionenhancement block 44131, the first color selection block 44133, thefirst contrast ratio enhancement block 44135 and the first white balanceadjustment block 44137 are classified blocks performing similar imageprocessing processes and each may include at least one sub-block (notshown). For example, the first definition enhancement block 44131 mayinclude a dejagging block to smooth a straight line or a curve of animage and a detail enhancement block to improve definition bystrengthening a particular frequency component, and the first contrastratio enhancement block 44135 may include a contrast enhancement block,a white stretch block and a black stretch block.

The second image processing unit 44210 may include a plurality of secondblocks 44211, 44213, 44215 and 44217, that is, a second definitionenhancement block 44211, a second color selection block 44213, a secondcontrast ratio enhancement block 44215 and a second white balanceadjustment block 44217. The second blocks, the second definitionenhancement block 44211, the second color selection block 44213, thesecond contrast ratio enhancement block 44215 and the second whitebalance adjustment block 44217 perform functions which are the same asthose of the corresponding first blocks but are upgraded. Further, thesecond blocks, the second definition enhancement block 44211, the secondcolor selection block 44213, the second contrast ratio enhancement block44215 and the second white balance adjustment block 44217, correspondingto the first blocks, the first definition enhancement block 44131, thefirst color selection block 44133, the first contrast ratio enhancementblock 44135 and the first white balance adjustment block 44137 are notnecessarily included, and a part thereof may be included.

An image signal received by the image reception unit 44120 is input to afirst demultiplexer 44161 via A/D conversion. The controller 44150controls the input image signal to be output either to the firstdefinition enhancement block 44131 or to the second definitionenhancement block 44211 based on a presetting or a user selection, andthe block which receives the output signal performs an image processingprocess for definition enhancement.

After definition enhancement processing, the image signal is output to asecond demultiplexer 44163, and then output to the first color selectionblock 44133 or the second color selection block 44213 according tocontrol of the controller 44150.

After a plurality of image processing processes, the image signal isfinally output to the display unit 44110. As described above, FIG. 31illustrates part of the image processing processes only, and it isobvious that the image signal received from the image reception unit44120 may need to go through a series of image processing processesother than those shown in FIG. 31 to be finally displayed on the displayunit 44110.

According to the display apparatus 44100, at least part of the imageprocessing processes is performed by the external upgrade apparatus44200 connected to the display apparatus 44100, thereby carrying outenhanced image processing processes without replacement of hardware ofthe display apparatus 44100.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of the displayapparatus 44100 according to an exemplary embodiment.

The display apparatus 44100 may be configured as any types capable ofdisplaying an image including a TV and can be connected to the upgradeapparatus 44200 to exchange data.

The display apparatus 44100 receives an analog or digital image signalfrom an external image source (not shown) (S44110).

The display apparatus 44100 identifies whether the upgrade apparatus44200 is connected to the display apparatus 44100 (S44120). Theconnection unit 44140 connected to the upgrade apparatus 44200 isconnected to the ground terminal. Thus, when the upgrade apparatus 44200is connected, an electrical signal by ground connection is detected,thereby identifying whether the upgrade apparatus 44200 is connected.

The display apparatus 44100 may include a plurality of first blocksperforming a plurality of image processing processes, respectively, andthe upgrade apparatus 44200 may include a plurality of second blocksrespectively corresponding to the first blocks and performing part ofthe image processing processes. The received image signal is processedaccording to a predetermined image processing process, and therespective second blocks may perform functions corresponding to theimage processing processes conducted by the first blocks.

When the upgrade apparatus 44200 is not connected, all image processingprocesses are conducted by the display apparatus 44100 (S44160).

When the upgrade apparatus 44200 is connected, the display apparatus44100 identifies an image processing process that the upgrade apparatus44200 is able to perform (S44130). Here, the display apparatus 44100checks whether the upgrade apparatus 44200 includes second blockscorresponding to the respective first blocks, thereby identifying animage processing process that the upgrade apparatus 44200 is able toperform.

When the upgrade apparatus 44200 is capable of performing a particularimage processing process, an apparatus to perform the process isselected among the display apparatus 44100 and the upgrade apparatus44200 (S44140). That is, any one of a first block and a correspondingsecond block is selected. In this case, the display apparatus 44100 mayinclude a plurality of switching units respectively connected to thefirst blocks and the second blocks respectively corresponding to thefirst blocks to transmit a signal to either of the first blocks and thesecond blocks, which has been described above with reference to FIG. 31.

According to a selection result, any one of the display apparatus 44100and the upgrade apparatus 44200 performs the image processing process(S44150). In this case, regarding selection of an apparatus, all secondblocks may be used based on a presetting of the upgrade apparatus 44200,or any one of the first blocks and the corresponding second blocks maybe selected based on a user selection.

According to the control method of the display apparatus 44100, at leastpart of the image processing processes is carried out by the externalupgrade apparatus 44200 connected to the display apparatus 44100,thereby carrying out enhanced image processing processes withoutreplacement of hardware of the display apparatus 44100.

Hereinafter, an image processing apparatus (display apparatus), anupgrade apparatus, and a display system according to another exemplaryembodiment will be described. In the present exemplary embodiment,descriptions of components which are the same as or similar to those ofthe image processing apparatuses 100 to 100 g, the display apparatuses22100, 33100 and 44100, the upgrade apparatuses 200 to 200 g, 22200,33200 and 44200, and the display systems 1 to 1 g, 221 and 331 describedwith reference to FIGS. 1 to 32 will be omitted herein.

FIG. 33 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a displaysystem 551 according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 33,the display system 551 includes a display apparatus 55100 and athree-dimensional (3D) image processing apparatus 55200. The displayapparatus 55100 and the 3D image processing apparatus 55200 areconnected to communicate with each other.

The display apparatus 55100 and the 3D image processing apparatus 55200,which are connected to each other, transmit and receive an image signal,such as a broadcast signal, and a control signal including various typesof data and power.

The display apparatus 55100 processes an image signal provided from anexternal image source (not shown) according to a preset image processingprocess to display an image. Here, the display apparatus 55100 processesa two-dimensional (2D) image signal to display a 2D image.

In the display system 551 according to the present exemplary embodiment,the display apparatus 55100 is configured as a TV which displays abroadcast image based on a broadcast signal, broadcast information, orbroadcast data received from a transmitter of a broadcasting station.However, the display apparatus 55100 may be configured as any type ofdevice which is capable of displaying an image, without being limited toa TV.

Further, the display apparatus 55100 may display any type of image,without being limited to a broadcast image. For example, the displayapparatus 55100 may display images, such as videos, still images,applications, on-screen display (OSD) based on signals or data receivedfrom various types of image sources (not shown), and GUIs forcontrolling various operations.

The 3D image processing apparatus 55200 is connected to the displayapparatus 55100 to communicate therewith. The 3D image processingapparatus 55200 upgrades existing hardware or software of the connecteddisplay apparatus 55100 for 3D display and enables an image signal to beprocessed by the upgraded hardware or software of the display apparatus55100, thereby displaying a 3D image.

For example, the 3D image processing apparatus 55200 may be a device toupgrade hardware of a TV, such as an image processing circuit, for 3Ddisplay and be detachable from the display apparatus 55100.

Meanwhile, unlike in the present exemplary embodiment, the 3D imageprocessing apparatus 55200 may be connected to the display apparatus55100 wirelessly. In this case, the 3D image processing apparatus 55200may be supplied with operation power from a separate external powersource or battery. However, the present exemplary embodiment will bedescribed with reference to the 3D image processing apparatus 55200connected to the display apparatus 55100 via wire.

The display apparatus 55100 may solely process an image signal receivedfrom the outside according to a preset image processing process todisplay an image.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, as the 3D imageprocessing apparatus 55200 is connected to the display apparatus 55100,hardware or software configurations of the display system 551 performingthe above image processing process are upgraded. The 3D image processingapparatus 55200 receives an image signal from the display apparatus55100, processes the image signal into a 3D image signal, and transmitsthe processed image signal to the display apparatus 55100. The displayapparatus 55100 displays a 3D image corresponding to the 3D image signalreceived from the 3D image processing apparatus 55200.

In another exemplary embodiment, the 3D image processing apparatus 55200may receive an image signal, processes the image signal into a 3D imagesignal, and transmits the processed image signal to the displayapparatus 55100. The display apparatus 55100 displays a 3D imagecorresponding to the 3D image signal received from the 3D imageprocessing apparatus 55200.

Accordingly, the display apparatus 55100 supporting 2D display may alsoprovide a 3D image to a user.

FIG. 34 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the displayapparatus 55100 of the display system 551 according to an exemplaryembodiment.

As shown in FIG. 34, the display apparatus 55100 includes a first imagereception unit 55110 to which at least one image source 55300 isconnected, a first image processing unit 55120 processing an imagesignal received from the image source 55300 through the first imagereception unit 55110, a display unit 55130 displaying an image based onthe image signal processed by the first image processing unit 55120, afirst connection unit 55140 to which the 3D image processing apparatus55200 is detachably connected, a user input unit 55150 outputting apreset command based on user input, a first storage unit 55160 storingunlimited data or information, and a first controller 55170 controllingoperations of all components of the display apparatus 55100.

The first image reception unit 55110 is an input/output (I/O) devicetransmitting an image signal received from the at least one image source55300 to the first image processing unit 55120 and is configured asvarious types corresponding to standards of received image signals orconfigurations of the image source 55300 and the display apparatus55100. For example, the first image reception unit 55110 may receivesignals or data in accordance with the HDMI, USB, and componentstandards and may include a plurality of connection terminals (notshown) corresponding to the respective standards. Various externaldevices including the image source 55300 are connected to the respectiveconnection terminals, thereby enabling communication via the first imagereception unit 55110. The image signals received through the first imagereception unit 55110 include a 2D image signal and a 3D image signal.

The first image processing unit 55120 may perform various preset imageprocessing processes on an image signal received from the first imagereception unit 55110. The first image processing unit 55120 outputs aprocessed image signal to the display unit 55130, so that an image basedon the image signal is displayed on the display unit 55130.

The first image processing unit 55120 may perform any type of imageprocessing, without being limited to, for example, demultiplexing toseparate a signal into characteristic signals, decoding in accordancewith an image format of an image signal, de-interlacing to convert aninterlaced image signal into a progressive form, scaling to adjust animage signal to a preset resolution, noise reduction to improve imagequality, detail enhancement, frame refresh rate conversion, or the like.

The first image processing unit 55120 is provided as an image processingboard 55125, as shown in FIG. 36, in which a circuit system includingvarious chip sets (not shown), a memory (not shown), electroniccomponents (not shown) and wiring (not shown) to conduct such processesis mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB, not shown).

The display unit 55130 displays an image based on an image signal outputfrom the first image processing unit 55120. The display unit may beconfigured in various display modes using liquid crystals, plasma, lightemitting diodes, organic light emitting diodes, a surface conductionelectron emitter, a carbon nano-tube, nano-crystals, or the like,without being limited thereto.

As shown in FIG. 38, the display unit 55130 may further include anadditional element depending on a display mode thereof. For example, ina display mode using liquid crystals, the display unit 55130 may includean LCD panel 55131, a backlight unit (not shown) providing light to thepanel 55131, a panel drive board (not shown) including a driver to drivethe panel 55131, and a timing controller (T-con) 55135 coupled to afront end portion of the display panel 55131 to control the driver andimprove image quality.

The 3D image processing apparatus 55200 is detachably coupled to thefirst connection unit 55140. The display apparatus 55100 and the 3Dimage processing apparatus 55200 are coupled to each other by variousmethods, which will be described in detail.

The first connection unit 55140 communicates with the 3D imageprocessing apparatus 55200. In detail, the first connection unit 55140transmits an image signal received from the image source 55300 to the 3Dimage processing apparatus 55200 and receives a processed 3D imagesignal from the 3D image processing apparatus 55200.

The user input unit 55150 transmits various preset control commands orunlimited information to the first controller 55170 by a user'smanipulation and input. The user input unit 55150 may be provided as amenu key and an input panel installed on an outside of the displayapparatus 55100 or as a remote controller separate from the displayapparatus 55100.

Alternatively, the user input unit 55150 may be configured as a singlebody with the display unit 55130. That is, if the display unit 55130 isa touch screen, a user may transmit a preset command to the firstcontroller 55170 through an input menu (not shown) displayed on thedisplay unit 55130.

The first storage unit 55160 may store unlimited data according tocontrol of the first controller 55170. The first storage unit 55160 maybe configured as a non-volatile memory, such as a flash memory and ahard disk drive. The first storage unit 55160 is accessible by the firstcontroller 55170, and the data stored in the first storage unit 55160may be read, recorded, revised, deleted, or updated by the firstcontroller 55170.

The first storage unit 55160 may store, for example, an operating systemto run the display apparatus 55100 and various applications, image data,and optional data which are executable in the operating system.

The first controller 55170 performs control operations over variouscomponents of the display apparatus 55100. For example, the firstcontroller 55170 conducts image processing by the first image processingunit 55120, transmission or reception operations of signals,information, or data through the first connection unit 55110, and acontrol operation corresponding to a command from the user input unit55150, thereby controlling the overall operation of the displayapparatus 55100.

When the 3D image processing apparatus 55200 is connected, the firstcontroller 55170 may identify that an image signal received through thefirst image reception unit 55110 is a 3D image signal through upgrade offirmware of the first image processing unit 55120. The first controller55170 transmits the identified 3D image signal to the 3D imageprocessing apparatus 55200, controls the first connection unit 55140 toreceive the processed 3D image signal from the 3D image processingapparatus 55200, and controls the display unit 55130 to display a 3Dimage based on the processed 3D image signal.

The display apparatus 55100 having the foregoing configuration needsupgrading over time due to various factors, such as technologydevelopment. Upgrading is necessary, for example, to receive a 3D imagesignal which is not proposed when the display apparatus 55100 is firstmanufactured. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the 3Dimage processing apparatus 55200 provided to upgrade the displayapparatus 55100 is connected to the first connection unit 55140, therebyupgrading the display apparatus 55100 to achieve 3D display.

The 3D image processing apparatus 55200 includes hardware or softwareconfigurations corresponding to at least part of the hardware orsoftware resources of the display apparatus 55100. These hardware orsoftware configurations of the 3D image processing apparatus 55200 areprovided to perform more improved functions than at least part of theresources of the display apparatus 55100. Thus, when the 3D imageprocessing apparatus 55200 is connected to the display apparatus 55100,the hardware or software configurations of the 3D image processingapparatus 55200 replace at least part of the resources of the displayapparatus 55100, thereby finally displaying a 3D image on the displayapparatus 55100.

FIG. 35 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the 3D imageprocessing apparatus 55200 of the display system 551 according to anexemplary embodiment.

The 3D image processing apparatus 55200 includes a second imagereception unit 55210 to which at least one image source 55300 isconnected, a second image processing unit 55220 processing a 3D imagesignal, a second connection unit 55240 connected to the first connectionunit 55140 of the display apparatus 55100, a second storage unit 55260storing unlimited data/information, a second controller 55270controlling general operations of the 3D image processing apparatus55200, and a communication unit 55280 communicating with a pair of 3Dglasses 55281.

The second image reception unit 55210 receives an image signal from theat least one image source 55300 and can be configured as various typescorresponding to standards of received image signals or configurationsof the image source 55300 and the display apparatus 55100. For example,the second image reception unit 55210 may receive signals or data inaccordance with the HDMI, USB, and component standards and may include aplurality of connection terminals (not shown) corresponding to therespective standards. Various external devices including the imagesource 55300 are connected to the respective connection terminals,thereby enabling communication via the second image reception unit55210. The image signals received through the second image receptionunit 55210 include a 2D image signal and a 3D image signal.

Although FIG. 35 illustrates the 3D image processing apparatus 55200including the second image reception unit 55210 to receive an imagesignal, in another exemplary embodiment a component to receive an imagesignal in the 3D image processing apparatus 55200 may not be provided.When the second image reception unit 55210 is not provided, the 3D imageprocessing apparatus 55200 receives an image signal from the displayapparatus 55100, processes the received image signal, and transmits theprocessed image signal to the display apparatus 55100.

A 3D image may include a left-eye image and a right-eye image which arealternately displayed. A broadcast signal may be received in a form of adata stream. A stream of a broadcast signal includes, for example, anMPEG2 transport stream. The broadcast signal may include two or morestreams. For example, the broadcast signal may include two streams(hereinafter, also referred to as a first stream and a second stream)respectively corresponding to a left-eye image and a right-eye image ofa 3D image.

The second image processing unit 55220 processes a 3D image signal. Thesecond image processing unit 55220 conducts demultiplexing, decoding,transcoding, scaling, or the like. The second image processing unit55220 may include a demultiplexer (not shown), a first decoder (notshown) and a second decoder (not shown). When a broadcast signal isdemultiplexed to first and second streams respectively corresponding toa left-eye image and a right-eye image of a 3D image, the demultiplexerseparates the broadcast signal into the first stream and the secondstream. The first decoder decodes the first stream to output theleft-eye image, and the second decoder decodes the second stream tooutput the right-eye image. The decoded left-eye and right-eye imagesare alternately displayed by the display unit 55130 of the displayapparatus 55100.

The second image processing unit 55220 may further include a dimmingblock (not shown) for turning on/off a power supply of a backlight toimprove quality of a 3D image. The dimming block enables 3D contents tobe more effectively reproduced.

The second image processing unit 55220 may include a 3D formatterconverting a 2D image signal into a 3D image signal. The 2D image signalincludes a plurality of image frames (hereinafter, referred to as“frames”). The 3D image signal, which uses binocular disparity, mayinclude a plurality of left-eye frames and a plurality of right-eyeframes. Among the left-eye frames and the right-eye frames, a pairincluding a left-eye frame and a right-eye frame may be converted fromat least one corresponding frame among the plurality of frames of the 2Dimage signal.

When the display apparatus 55100 and the 3D image processing apparatus55200 are connected, the second image processing unit 55220 processes a3D image signal or converts a 2D image signal into a 3D image signalaccording to control of the first controller 55170 or the secondcontroller 55270, thereby reproducing a 3D image, which will bedescribed in detail.

The second connection unit 55240 is detachably connected to the firstconnection unit 55140, thereby enabling communication between the 3Dimage processing apparatus 55200 and the display apparatus 55100.

FIGS. 36 to 38 illustrate the 3D image processing apparatus 55200 whichis connected to the display apparatus 55100.

The 3D image processing apparatus 55200 may be detachably connected toany one of the timing controller 55135, the display panel 55131, and theimage processing board 55125 of the display apparatus 55100.

As shown in FIG. 36, the second connection unit 55210 may be connectedto at least one connector 551412 among a plurality of connectors 55141and 55142 provided in the timing controller 55135. Here, the displayapparatus 55100 is launched with the image processing board 55125connected to connector 55141. Connector 55142 is a spare connector. The3D image processing apparatus 55200 will be connected to the spareconnector 55142, thereby upgrading the display apparatus 55100 toachieve 3D display.

When the display apparatus 55100 does not include the spare connector55142 for connection of the 3D image processing apparatus 55200, the 3Dimage processing apparatus 55200 may be coupled through a gender changer55143 connected to the first connection unit 55140, as shown in FIG. 37.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 38, the display apparatus 55100 may belaunched with the timing controller 55135 slidingly coupled to slots ofthe display panel 55131 and the image processing board 55125. Then, amodule, which is designed in a combined form of the 3D image processingapparatus 55200 and the timing controller 55135, replaces the timingcontroller 55135, thereby conveniently upgrading the display apparatus55100 to enable 3D image processing.

Connection methods of the 3D image processing apparatus 55200 shown inFIGS. 36 to 38 are provided only for illustrative purposes, and thefirst connection unit 55140, and the second connection unit 55240 may beconnected by various methods in addition to the foregoing examples.

The second storage unit 55260 stores unlimited data. The second storageunit 55260 is configured as a non-volatile storage medium, such as aflash memory and a hard disk drive. The second storage unit 55260 isaccessed by the first controller 55170 or the second controller 55270,and the data stored in the second storage unit 55260 may be read,recorded, revised, deleted, or updated by the controller 55170 and thecontroller 55270. Meanwhile, the second storage unit 55260 may be alsoaccessed not only by the second controller 55270 but by the firstcontroller 55170 based on a configuration thereof.

The second controller 55270 performs control operations over variouscomponents of the 3D image processing apparatus 55200 to conduct generalimage processing processes. For example, the second controller 55270conducts image processing by the second image processing unit 55220 andtransmission or reception operations of signals, information, or datathrough the second connection unit 55210, thereby controlling generaloperations of the 3D image processing apparatus 55200.

The second controller 55270 and the first controller 55170 may beconfigured as a CPU. Thus, when a 3D image signal is received, thesecond controller 55270 may disable the first controller 55170 andcontrol general operations of the display system 551 instead of thefirst controller 55170. Alternatively, the second controller 55270 maycontrol the general operations of the display system 551 together withthe first controller 55170.

The second controller 55270 and the first controller 55170 may furtherinclude a graphic processing unit (GPU) subserving the CPU, a digitalsignal processor (DSP), and a memory, such as a DDR RAM.

The communication unit 55280 communicates with the pair of 3D glasses55281 and synchronizes a signal transmitted to the 3D glasses 55281 witha processed 3D image signal. The 3D glasses 55281 is configured as apair of shutter glasses selectively transmitting light depending on anapplication of voltage or a pair of polarized glasses transmitting lightin a preset polarization direction.

The communication unit 55280 may include a wireless communication modulein accordance with a predetermined communication standard, such as radiofrequency (RF), Zigbee, Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), andinfrared communication, and may enable transmission and reception ofvarious unlimited signals, information, or data between the displayapparatus 55100 and the 3D glasses 55281.

Hereinafter, a process of upgrading the display apparatus 55100 toachieve 3D display by the 3D image processing apparatus 55200 accordingto an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 39to 43.

FIGS. 39 to 43 are flowcharts illustrating methods of performing animage processing process of the display apparatus 55100 ungraded by the3D image processing apparatus 55200 in the display system 551 accordingto exemplary embodiments.

When a 2D or 3D image signal is received from the image source 55300 inoperation S55411 of FIG. 39, the display apparatus 55100 processes theimage signal according to a preset sequence of image processingprocesses in operations S55413, S55415, and S55417 of FIG. 39. It shouldbe noted that FIG. 39 illustrates only some image processing processesfor concise description of the present exemplary embodiment, and doesnot show all image processing processes actually implemented by thedisplay apparatus 55100.

FIGS. 39 and 40 illustrate an image signal received through the firstimage reception unit 55110 of the display apparatus 55100.

As shown in FIG. 39, when the display apparatus 55100 receives a 3Dimage signal from the image source 55300 in operation S55411, the firstcontroller 55170 identifies the received signal as a 3D image signal inoperation S55413 and transmits the signal to the 3D image processingapparatus 55200 in operation S55414. The second controller 55270controls the second image processing unit 55220 to process the received3D image signal in operation S55415 and transmits the processed 3D imagesignal to the display apparatus 55100 in operation S55416. The firstcontroller 55170 displays a 3D image based on the 3D image signal on thedisplay unit 55130 in operation S55417.

As shown in FIG. 40, when the display apparatus 55100 receives a 2Dimage signal from the image source 55300 in operation S55421, the firstcontroller 55170 identifies the received image signal as a 2D imagesignal in operation S55423 and controls the first image processing unit55120 to process the 2D image signal in operation S55425. The firstcontroller 55170 transmits the processed 2D image signal to the 3D imageprocessing apparatus 55200 in operation S55426. The second controller55270 controls the second image processing unit 55220 to convert thereceived 2D image signal into a 3D image signal in operation S55427 andtransmits the converted 3D image signal to the display apparatus 55130in operation S55428. The first controller 55170 displays a 3D imagebased on the 3D image signal on the display unit 55130 in operationS55429.

Although FIG. 40 illustrates that the first image processing unit 55120processes a 2D image signal and the second image processing unit 55220converts the 2D image signal into a 3D image signal, the second imageprocessing unit 55220 may process a 2D image signal and convert the 2Dimage signal into a 3D image signal. In this case, the first controller55170 may identify an image signal as a 2D signal and transmit thesignal to the 3D image processing apparatus 55200.

FIGS. 41 to 43 illustrate the 3D image processing apparatus 55200including the second image reception unit 55210 to receive an imagesignal autonomously.

As shown in FIG. 41, when the 3D image processing apparatus 55200receives a 3D image signal from the image source 55300 in operationS55431, the second controller 55270 identifies the received image signalas a 3D image signal in operation S55433 and controls the second imageprocessing unit 55120 to process the received 3D image signal inoperation S55435. The second controller 55270 transmits the processed 3Dimage signal to the display apparatus 55100 in operation S55436. Thefirst controller 55170 displays a 3D image based on the 3D image signalon the display unit 55130 in operation S55437.

As shown in FIG. 42, when the 3D image processing apparatus 55200receives a 2D image signal from the image source 55300 in operationS55441, the second controller 55270 identifies the received image signalas a 2D image signal in operation S55443, processes the received 2Dimage signal in operation S55445, and controls the second imageprocessing unit 55220 to convert the processed 2D image signal into a 3Dimage signal in operation S55447. The second controller 55270 transmitsthe converted 3D image signal to the display apparatus 55100 inoperation S55448. The first controller 55170 displays a 3D image basedon the received 3D image signal on the display unit 55130 in operationS55449.

FIG. 43 is distinguished from FIG. 42 in that the first image processingunit 55120 processes a 2D image signal. As shown in FIG. 43, when the 3Dimage processing apparatus 55200 receives a 2D image signal from theimage source 55300 in operation S55451, the second controller 55270identifies the received image signal as a 2D image signal in operationS55453 and transmits the received 2D image signal to the displayapparatus 55100 in operation S55454. The first controller 55170 controlsthe first image processing unit 55120 to process the received 2D imagesignal in operation S55455 and transmits the processed 2D image signalto the 3D image processing apparatus 55200 in operation S55456. Thesecond controller 55270 controls the second image processing unit 55220to convert the processed 2D image signal into a 3D image signal inoperation S55457. The second controller 55270 transmits the converted 3Dimage signal to the display apparatus 55100 in operation S55458. Thefirst controller 55170 displays a 3D image based on the received 3Dimage signal on the display unit 55130 in operation S55459.

As described above, according to the exemplary embodiments, the 3D imageprocessing apparatus 55200 is detachably coupled to the displayapparatus 55100 processing a 2D image, thereby conveniently upgradingthe display apparatus 55100 to reproduce 3D contents.

Although a few exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, itwill be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be madein these exemplary embodiments without departing from the principles andspirit of the inventive concept, the scope of which is defined in theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image processing apparatus comprising: asignal input unit; a first image processing unit which processes aninput signal input by the signal input unit to output a first outputsignal; an upgrade apparatus connection unit connected to an upgradeapparatus comprising a second image processing unit; and a firstcontroller which controls at least one of the input signal processed bythe first image processing unit and the first output signal to betransmitted to the upgrade apparatus and processed by the second imageprocessing unit if the upgrade apparatus is connected to the upgradeapparatus connection unit.
 2. The image processing apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a display unit which displays at least one of a firstimage corresponding to the first output signal output by the first imageprocessing unit and a second image corresponding to a second outputsignal processed and output by the second image processing unit of theupgrade apparatus.
 3. The image processing apparatus of claim 2, whereinthe upgrade apparatus connection unit transmits the first output signalto the display unit if the upgrade apparatus is not inserted into theupgrade apparatus connection unit, and transmits the second outputsignal output from the second image processing unit to the displayapparatus if the upgrade apparatus is inserted into the upgradeapparatus connection unit.
 4. The image processing apparatus of claim 3,wherein the upgrade apparatus connection unit comprises a first inputsignal terminal to which the first output signal is input; and a displayunit output terminal selectively brought in contact with at least one ofthe first input signal terminal and a body connection unit of theupgrade apparatus based on whether the upgrade apparatus is connected,to output any one of the first output signal and the second outputsignal to the display unit.
 5. The image processing apparatus of claim4, further comprising an elastic member which elastically biases atleast one of the first input signal terminal and the display unit outputterminal so that the first input signal terminal and the display unitoutput terminal are brought in contact if the upgrade apparatus is notconnected to the upgrade apparatus connection unit.
 6. The imageprocessing apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a data selectionunit which selects and outputs one of the first output signal outputfrom the first image processing unit and the second output signal outputfrom the upgrade apparatus connection unit to the display unit accordingto control of the first controller; and a data distribution unit whichdistributes the first output signal to the upgrade apparatus connectionunit and the data selection unit according to control of the firstcontroller.
 7. The image processing apparatus of claim 2, furthercomprising an image signal switch which selectively transmits the firstoutput signal output from the first image processing unit to the displayunit, wherein the first image processing unit outputs the first outputsignal to the upgrade apparatus connection unit and the image signalswitch, and the first controller controls the image signal switch totransmit the first output signal output by the first image processingunit to the display unit if the upgrade apparatus is not connected, andto transmit the second output signal processed by the upgrade apparatusto the display unit if the upgrade apparatus is connected.
 8. The imageprocessing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first controller performscontrol to receive information about at least one upgraded functionprovided by the upgrade apparatus and performs control to perform theupgraded function based on the information about the upgraded function.9. The image processing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising atleast one subsidiary module each accommodating firmware, wherein thefirst controller upgrades the firmware of the at least one subsidiarymodule based on corresponding upgraded firmware received from theupgrade apparatus.
 10. The image processing apparatus of claim 1,wherein the first controller controls each of a plurality of imageprocessing processes to process the image signal to be selectivelyperformed by one of the first image processing unit and the second imageprocessing unit.
 11. The image processing apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe first controller controls the upgrade apparatus connection unit toreceive a three-dimensional (3D) image signal, converted from the firstoutput signal, from the upgrade apparatus.
 12. An upgrade apparatusmounted on an image processing apparatus comprising a first imageprocessing unit and a first controller, the upgrade apparatuscomprising: a body connection unit which is connected to the imageprocessing apparatus; a second image processing unit which receives andprocesses a signal output from the image processing apparatus throughthe body connection unit; and a second controller which controls thesecond image processing unit.
 13. The upgrade apparatus of claim 12,further comprising a display connection unit connected to a display unitin order to transmit the signal processed by the second image processingunit to the display unit.
 14. The upgrade apparatus of claim 12, whereinthe second controller performs control to transmit information about atleast one upgraded function provided to the image processing apparatusto the image processing apparatus and to perform the upgraded function.15. The upgrade apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a signal inputunit to input an external input signal, wherein the second controllertransmits the external input signal to the image processing apparatusand controls the image processing apparatus to display an image based onthe transmitted external input signal.
 16. The upgrade apparatus ofclaim 12, further comprising a signal output unit, wherein the secondcontroller performs control to receive the signal output from the imageprocessing apparatus and to output the signal to outside of the upgradeapparatus through the signal output unit.
 17. The upgrade apparatus ofclaim 12, further comprising a storage unit storing upgraded firmwarecorresponding to a subsidiary module of the image processing apparatus,wherein the second controller comprises a controller which performscontrol to upgrade firmware of the at least one subsidiary module basedon the upgraded firmware.
 18. The upgrade apparatus of claim 12, whereinthe second controller controls the second image processing unit togenerate a three-dimensional (3D) image signal by converting the signaloutput from the image processing apparatus and controls the connectionunit to transmit the 3D image signal to the image processing apparatus.19. A control method of an image processing apparatus on which anupgrade apparatus is mounted, the control method comprising: processingan input signal to output an output signal; transmitting at least one ofthe input signal and the output signal to the upgrade apparatus if theupgrade apparatus is connected to the image processing apparatus;receiving an image signal based on at least one of the input signal andthe output signal from the upgrade apparatus; and processing the imagesignal to be displayed as an image.
 20. The control method of claim 19,further comprising receiving information about at least one upgradedfunction provided by the upgrade apparatus, and wherein the processingthe image signal comprises performing the upgraded function based on theinformation about the upgraded function.
 21. The control method of claim19, further comprising receiving upgraded firmware from the upgradeapparatus; and upgrading firmware of at least one subsidiary moduleincluded in the image processing apparatus based on the receivedupgraded firmware.
 22. The control method of claim 19, wherein each of aplurality of image processing processes to process the image signal isperformed selectively by one of the image processing apparatus and theupgrade apparatus.
 23. The control method of claim 19, wherein thereceiving comprises receiving a three-dimensional (3D) image signal,converted from at least one of the input signal and the output signal,from the upgrade apparatus.
 24. A control method of an upgrade apparatusmounted on an image processing apparatus, the control method comprising:receiving a first image signal processed from the image processingapparatus if the upgrade apparatus is connected to the image processingapparatus; processing at least one upgraded function of the imageprocessing apparatus on the first image signal; and transmitting asecond image signal, obtained by processing the at least one upgradedfunction, to the image processing apparatus.
 25. The control method ofclaim 24, further comprising transmitting information about the at leastone upgraded function provided to the image processing apparatus. 26.The control method of claim 24, further comprising transmitting, to theupgrade apparatus, upgraded firmware to upgrade firmware of at least onesubsidiary module included in the image processing apparatus.
 27. Thecontrol method of claim 24, wherein the processing comprises generatinga three-dimensional (3D) image signal by converting the first imagesignal received from the image processing apparatus, and wherein thetransmitting comprises transmitting the 3D image signal to the imageprocessing apparatus.
 28. A display system comprising an imageprocessing apparatus and an upgrade apparatus mounted on the imageprocessing apparatus, comprising: the image processing apparatuscomprising: a first image processing unit which processes a first inputsignal to output a first output signal; a first controller whichcontrols the first image processing unit; and an upgrade apparatusconnection unit which is connected to the upgrade apparatus, the upgradeapparatus comprising: a second image processing unit which processes asecond input signal to output a second output signal; a secondcontroller which controls the second image processing unit; and a bodyconnection unit which is connected to the upgrade apparatus connectionunit, and wherein at least one of the first input signal processed bythe first image processing unit and the first output signal istransmitted to the upgrade apparatus and processed by the second imageprocessing unit if the upgrade apparatus is connected to the upgradeapparatus connection unit.
 29. The image processing apparatus of claim1, wherein the upgrade apparatus is configured to perform a new functionwhich cannot be executed by the first image processing unit.
 30. Theimage processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upgrade apparatus isconfigured to perform a function upgraded from a pre-existing functionof the image processing unit.